CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE OF IMMUNE-COMPLEXES IN RHEUMATOID DISEASE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 11  (3) , 231-234
Abstract
Circulating immune complexes were measured by the Clq [q fraction of complement 7] binding assay in 49 [human] cases of rheumatoid disease. Raised levels showed a positive correlation with activity of the arthritis, the number of involved joints and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. No correlation was found with age, sex, duration of disease, rheumatoid nodules, presence of radiographic joint erosions or other hematological and serological parameters. In 12 patients the arthritis subsequently remitted and this remission in disease activity correlated with reduced levels of immune complexes.