Serum beta-2-microglobulin levels in rheumatoid arthritis
Landau, M.; Weiner, P.; Rozental, M.; Plavnick, L.
Harefuah 108(2): 57-59
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 3888791 Document Number: 256307
Serum levels of .beta.-2 microglobulin (B2-MG) were determined in 108 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite normal renal function, significant elevations were observed in patients with active disease. The increase in B2-MG levels preceded by weeks or months other clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity, allowing early detection of relapses. Once the levels rose above normal, they did not reflect disease severity. Despite clinical and laboratory remissions, B2-MG tended to remain elevated for several weeks or months. There were increases in B2-MG in the presence of extra-articular manifestations, such as lung involvement, or the development of the sicca syndrome. Determination of B2-MG seems to be of value in the prediction of relapses, and in indicating the occurrence of extra-articular manifestations. It is less useful in predicting remissions.