Which autoantibody is associated with CREST syndrome?

In the context of CREST syndrome, the correct autoantibody associated with this condition is the anticentromere antibody. CREST syndrome is a limited form of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) characterized by the presence of its initials: Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia. Anticentromere antibodies are specifically linked to this subtype of scleroderma and help in confirming the diagnosis.

The presence of these antibodies is significant in clinical practice as they provide valuable information regarding the prognosis and specific features of the disease. Anticentromere antibodies have been found to be predominantly associated with patients who exhibit milder forms of scleroderma, like CREST syndrome, as opposed to those with diffuse scleroderma, where different autoantibodies may be present.

In contrast, the other autoantibodies listed are associated with different autoimmune diseases. For example, anti-dsDNA antibodies are primarily linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-histone antibodies are typically found in drug-induced lupus, and anti-Smith antibodies are also associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, understanding the specific autoantib