Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Y Levo.
A patient with degenerative joint disease with an unusual hypersensitivity reaction to ibuprofen is described. The patient developed transient fever, myalgia polyarthritis and rash following each of 4 exposures to the drug. These manifestations were associated with positive Coombs' and FANA tests.
Increased levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were demonstrated by the Clq binding assay in 22 (27%) out of 81 patients with recurrent polyserositis. The prevalence of increased CIC was significantly higher in Jewish patients of North African origin (42%) than in subjects of other ethnic groups (6%). North African patients also manifested an increased familial incidence, earlier onset of symptoms and a higher frequency of arthritis. There was no correlation between increased CIC levels and disease activity. These findings suggest that the immune response of North African patients differs from that of subjects of other ethnic groups and that this difference is possibly genetically determined.
Circulating immune complexes (CIC) have been detected in the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Their usefulness in monitoring disease activity is still controversial. Thirty-five patients with RA have been studied for the presence of CIC by the C1q binding assay. Abnormally high levels of CIC were detected in 83% of the patients and in 76% of 46 serum samples. Mean C1q binding activity for all serum samples was 27.4 +/- 25 compared to 7.5 /+- 2% in a control group of healthy individuals. A highly significant correlation was observed between C1q binding activity and the following indices of disease activity: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the latex and Rose-Waaler tests and a systemic index. The level of CIC in RA patients seems to be a reliable index of disease activity.