ISSN:
1437-160X
Keywords:
C3d
;
Serum immune complexes
;
Rheumatoid arthritis
;
Systemic lupus erythematosus
;
Spondylitis ancylopoetica
;
Disease activity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and spondylitis ancylopoetica were examined, along with healthy controls, for C3d plasma levels, circulating immune complexes, C3 serum levels, and CRP. Immune complexes were determined using a C1q binding assay, a 2.75% PEG precipitation technique, including the analysis of IgG and C3, and a new laser nephelometric latex test. C3d plasma levels were significantly (P〈1%) elevated in all groups of patients as compared to controls. With regard to the demonstration of circulating immune complexes, the PEG precipitation method discriminated best between patients and the control population. It was not possible to differentiate between the different disease entities with neither C3d serum levels or immune complexes. Concerning the assessment of disease activity, none of the evaluated parameters alone appears to be of clinical relevance. The individual application of more than one immune complex assay in combination with the measurement of C3d serum levels must be recommended if disease activity is to be assessed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00541327
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