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[Study of the complement system. General principles and perspectives].
N Julen1, H Dauchel, C Lemercier
1INSERM U-78, BP 73, Bois Guillaume.
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Traditional complement tests can be difficult to interpret. Newer assays measuring complement activation directly offer more reliable insights into disease activity and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Traditional complement testing relies on CH50 and protein levels (C1q, factor B, C3, C4).
- Interpreting these traditional tests for complement activation is challenging due to ambiguity between consumption, deficiency, or altered synthesis.
- This ambiguity limits their utility as markers for disease progression.
Purpose:
- To discuss the interpretation of various complement tests used in clinical medicine.
- To highlight the advantages of newer complement activation assays.
- To present principles for interpreting complement system evaluation tests.
Summary:
- Traditional complement assays (CH50, C1q, C3, C4) present interpretation challenges regarding activation versus other factors.
- Novel assays measuring anaphylatoxins, C3 degradation products, and the membrane attack complex offer more direct reflection of complement activation.
- Specific tests for C1-inhibitor are crucial for diagnosing hereditary angio-oedema.
Impact:
- Newer complement activation assays may serve as more reliable markers for disease activity.
- Improved interpretation of complement tests can lead to more accurate diagnoses.
- Definitive diagnosis of hereditary angio-oedema is facilitated by C1-inhibitor testing.