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Centromere Antibodies

What Are Centromere Antibodies?

Centromere antibodies are a type of autoantibody produced by the immune system that mistakenly targets the body's own cells. These antibodies are most commonly associated with certain autoimmune connective tissue disorders.

Centromere Antibodies and Systemic Sclerosis

Centromere antibodies are primarily found in patients with the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis, commonly known as CREST syndrome. CREST is an acronym representing a group of clinical features:

Calcinosis – calcium deposits under the skin

Raynaud’s phenomenon – reduced blood flow to fingers and toes in response to cold or stress

Esophageal dysfunction – difficulty swallowing or acid reflux

Sclerodactyly – thickening and tightening of the skin on the fingers

Telangiectasia – small, dilated blood vessels near the skin surface

The presence of centromere antibodies helps in the diagnosis and classification of systemic sclerosis and its variants.

Diagnostic Significance

Centromere antibody testing is a valuable tool for identifying autoimmune conditions, especially in individuals with symptoms consistent with limited scleroderma. Their presence often indicates a slower disease progression and lower risk of internal organ involvement compared to diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Centromere Antibody Testing in Slough and Surrounding Areas

Private testing for centromere antibodies is available in Slough, Windsor, Langley, Maidenhead, and nearby areas. If you are experiencing symptoms related to autoimmune connective tissue disease or CREST syndrome, local diagnostic services in Slough offer accurate testing to support early diagnosis and personalised treatment planning.

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