[Studies with the NBT test in various clinical forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis]

Fifty-six healthy neonates and children as well as 33 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases of the locomotor system were examined using a modification of the NBT test. In healthy newborn infants there was observed an increase in the number of NBT-positive cells between the first and tenth days. The test results obtained for the 33 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were positive in 73%, with positive results being obtained especially in those patients where the disease was in its second stage of activity. Highest values were obtained in patients with a predominantly articular manifestation of the disease. Stimulative effects produced by immune complexes are considered to be chiefly responsible for this. However, this method of examination is of small practical value from a differential diagnosis point of view.