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[Decision levels of sero-immunological data].
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 11, 2000
Summary
Reference values for immunological tests differ in the elderly. Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titers were lower, rheumatoid factor (RF) titers were higher, and fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA) titers were similar in elderly subjects compared to young adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Establishing age-specific reference ranges for immunological markers is crucial for accurate diagnosis in the elderly.
- Previous studies have shown variations in immunological parameters with age, but comprehensive comparisons are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for key serological and immunological tests in elderly individuals.
- To compare these reference values with those of young adult controls.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative measurement of Anti-streptolysin O (ASO), Rheumatoid Factor (RF), and Fluorescent Antinuclear Antibody (FANA) using latex turbidimetry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA.
- Inclusion of 630 elderly subjects (>70 years) and 340 young adult controls.
- Determination of reference values using the ninety-fifth percentile method.
Main Results:
- Elderly subjects showed lower upper limits for ASO (190 U/ml) compared to young adults (330 U/ml).
- RF titers were higher in the elderly (25-37 U/ml) than in young adults (15 U/ml).
- FANA titers were similar (x160) in both elderly and young groups, with higher positive frequencies for autoantibodies against desmoglein-3, dsDNA, cardiolipin, and thyroglobulin in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Age-specific reference intervals are necessary for ASO and RF in elderly populations.
- FANA reference values appear consistent across young and elderly adults.
- Certain autoantibodies exhibit increased prevalence in the elderly, warranting further investigation.