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Correlation between rheumatoid factor and peripheral eosinophil count in chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Megumi Kudou1, Hirotaka Yasuba, Yoshiki Kobayashi
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Takatsuki Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan. megkudo@takatsuki.jrc.or.jp
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|October 21, 2006
Summary
Rheumatoid factor (RF) levels correlate with eosinophil (Eo) counts in chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Elevated RF may indicate disease activity, appearing earlier and resolving later than other indicators.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an inflammatory lung disease characterized by eosinophil infiltration.
- The role of rheumatoid factor (RF) in CEP and its correlation with disease activity remain unclear.
Observation:
- This study evaluated the relationship between blood RF levels and peripheral blood eosinophil (Eo) counts in a patient with CEP.
- Data was collected from disease onset through resolution.
Findings:
- A significant correlation was observed between RF levels and Eo counts (r=0.816), particularly with the logarithmic value of Eo counts.
- RF levels demonstrated a tendency to elevate earlier and decline later than Eo counts or radiographic abnormalities.
Implications:
- RF levels may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring CEP activity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying RF elevation in eosinophil-activated disorders.
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