Abstract
Laboratory studies on 34 cases of lupus erythematodes, 4 cases of dermatomyositis and 5 cases of scleroderma revealed following results:
(1) Lupus erythematodes were studied, being classified into eight clinical types, by the distribution and characteristic of eruptions and the presence or absence of visceral involvements. Antinuclear antibody test of serum were positive in all cases of the generalized-nondiscoid-visceral type. The LE cell phenomenon was positive in three cases of the generalized-nondiscoid-visceral type. Tuberculin reaction was negative in all cases of the generalized-nondiscoid-visceral type, a case of the generalized-discoid-visceral type and two cases of the generalized-discoid-cutaneous types.
(2) The test for adreno-cortical function revealed that disturbances were present in all cases of dermatomyositis. Tuberculin reaction was negative in all cases of dermatomyositis which showed no abnormalities in immunological examinations.
(3) The LE cell phenomenon, LE test and tuberculin reaction were negative in all cases of scleroderma.
(4) Chromosomal analysis revealed that collagen diseases showed defenitely higher incidences concerning the number and structure of chromosomes, than those in control groups.
