Clinical significance of immune complexes in rheumatoid disease
Fleming, A.; Charlesworth, J.; Liew, M.; Portek, I.; Bertouch, J.; Quin, J.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 11(3): 231-234
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8291 PMID: 6945832 Document Number: 172549
Circulating immune complexes were measured by the Clq 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.