Dear Editor,

As we know, previous studies have shown the association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anti-Ro antibody with a series of clinical manifestations. However, available evidence suggests that there still exist a large number of inconsistencies. Recently, Paz et al. reported that there was no direct relationship between anti-Ro antibody and cutaneous photosensitivity in SLE patients [1]. Another study also found that anti-Ro antibody was not associated to photosensitivity. However, there was an association with anti-La antibody. Moreover, in multivariate analysis, patients with anti-Ro antibody has 1.63 (95% CI, 1.07–2.50) more risk to develop cutaneous vasculitis than patients without this antibody [2]. Interestingly, Shinjo et al. showed that SLE cutaneous vasculitis group was not associated to anti-Ro antibody, but the group had a higher frequency of photosensitivity. Additionally, the authors also found that had a higher frequency of Raynaud phenomenon in cutaneous vasculitis group [3].

Clinical manifestation in late onset SLE may provide a good reference for this disagreement. Rovenský et al. systematically reviewed clinical manifestation for SLE in the elderly and found that late onset SLE patients manifested higher rate of positive findings of anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies. In contrast, skin vasculitis, photosensitivity and Raynaud phenomenon occured rarely in the elderly patients [4]. The review may prove that anti-Ro antibody is associated to prevalence of anti-La antibody but not photosensitivity, cutaneous vasculitis and Raynaud phenomenon, which is in agreement with most findings from the reports discussed above [1–3]. It should be noted that further studies are required to clarify precise molecular mechanism. In spite of this, clinical manifestation in late onset will provide a better understanding for the role of anti-Ro antibody in SLE.