[Patients with primary anterior uveitis. Determination of circulating immune complexes]

The level of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in 31 patients with primary anterior uveitis was determined by an ELISA method (C1q in solid phase). In addition, we measured antinuclear antibodies (ANA), HLAB 27, C3 and C4. Increased levels of CIC were found in 38% of patients (Group I), the remainder had normal levels (Group II). Positive ANA were found in 33% of patients in Group I and 26% of patients in Group II. The clinical findings and course of uveitis was similar in both groups. Chronic uveitis was associated to greater levels of CIC as compared to recurrent uveitis among patients in Group I (p less than 0.0001). Also, moderate sequelae from uveitis were associated to higher CIC levels.