Laboratory-Based Retrospective Study on ANA Profile Results in Ajman: A Decade of Autoantibody Distribution by Age and Gender
Abstract
<ns3:p>Background Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are vital in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune diseases, with prevalence affected by demographics and environment. Aim This study analyzed ANA testing trends over a decade in Ajman, UAE, focusing on prevalence, antibody types, and demographics, filling a gap in Middle Eastern longitudinal data. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional examination of Thumbay Labs ANA profile data from 2015 to 2025 was performed. HEp-2 cell–based indirect immunofluorescence assays were run first, followed by extractable nuclear antigen testing. In addition to age and gender, autoantibody patterns were collected. While descriptive statistics summarized prevalence, chi-square tests examined associations. Logistic regression models estimated independent ANA-positive predictor ORs and 95% CIs. Results Among 2,482 individuals tested (67.6% female), 30.7% demonstrated positivity for at least one ANA-related antibody. Anti-Ro52 (7.9%), anti-SSA/Ro (7.2%), and anti-RNP/Sm (4.3%) were the most frequently detected autoantibodies. Females exhibited significantly higher ANA positivity than males (33.1% vs. 23.1%; p < 0.001). Gender remained an independent predictor in multivariable analysis (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.18–1.72), with females also showing increased odds of anti-Ro52, anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, and anti-histone reactivity. Although age demonstrated variability in univariate analyses, it did not independently predict ANA positivity. Conclusions Our study results align with international trends and provide the first decade-long summary of ANA testing patterns in the UAE. The data establish a baseline for autoimmune disease surveillance and highlight the need for clinical–laboratory coordination and prospective studies to understand ANA reactivity in this location further.</ns3:p>