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[IgA rheumatoid factors in ankylosing spondylitis]
C Steffen1, E Prohaska-Marchried, G Zlabinger
1Institut für Immunologie, Universität Wien.
Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie
|July 1, 1988
Summary
This study found that IgA-rheumatoid factors are common in ankylosing spondylitis, appearing in relation to disease stage and immunocomplexes. This suggests ankylosing spondylitis may be seronegative only for IgG and IgM rheumatoid factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Chemistry
Context:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Immunological markers and acute phase proteins are used to assess disease activity and progression.
- Understanding these markers aids in diagnosis and management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and correlation of specific immunological markers and acute phase proteins in different clinical stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
- To evaluate the diagnostic significance of IgA-rheumatoid factors in relation to disease stage and immunocomplexes.
Summary:
- 151 ankylosing spondylitis patients were analyzed for HLA-B27, immunocomplexes, and rheumatoid factors (IgG, IgM, IgA).
- IgA-rheumatoid factors were detected in 23-41% of cases, often correlating with disease stage and appearing with immunocomplexes (20-23%).
- C-reactive protein (CRP) and sedimentation rate showed the strongest correlation among acute phase proteins, while IgA-RF presence impacts the definition of seronegativity in AS.
Impact:
- The findings challenge the traditional seronegative classification of ankylosing spondylitis regarding IgG and IgM rheumatoid factors.
- Highlights the clinical relevance of IgA-rheumatoid factors in assessing disease progression in ankylosing spondylitis.
- Provides insights into the immunological profile of ankylosing spondylitis, potentially influencing diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies.