What laboratory finding is typically associated with limited scleroderma?

Limited scleroderma is characterized by specific autoimmune markers. The presence of anti-centromere antibodies is particularly associated with this form of scleroderma. These antibodies are often found in patients who have the limited cutaneous variant of the disease, which typically presents with skin changes restricted to the distal parts of the body, such as fingers and face, and has a less aggressive course compared to diffuse scleroderma.

Anti-Scl-70 antibodies, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with diffuse scleroderma, which presents with widespread skin involvement and more severe internal organ complications. Rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies are both nonspecific markers and can be present in a variety of autoimmune conditions, but they do not specifically indicate limited scleroderma. Therefore, the anti-centromere antibody is a key marker for diagnosing and understanding the prognosis of limited scleroderma.