[Systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis: prognostic value of the HLA DRB1 0405 allele].

The aim of the present study was to determine HLA DRB1* genotype by PCR-RFLP analysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (N = 122) associated with extra-articular manifestations (N = 24). A significant increased of DRB1* 0405 was found in RA patients with extra-cellular involvement (odd-ratio = 8.33, confidence interval = 1.44 - 56.7). In patients with RA, HLA DRB1*0405 allele might constitute a susceptibility marker of extra-articular involvement such as vasulitis or cardio-pulmonary manifestations.