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An investigation of the complement system in patients with periodic disease (results from 29 cases)
Insights
Periodic disease patients show elevated complement system components, including C4, C3, and total complement. This finding aids in diagnosing periodic disease, even after colchicine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The complement system is crucial in innate immunity.
- Periodic disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the complement system in periodic disease.
- To assess complement component levels in patients with periodic disease.
Main Methods:
- Studied 29 patients with authentic periodic disease.
- Measured levels of C4, C3, and total complement.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a statistically significant increase in C4, total complement, and C3.
- Observed elevated C4 levels potentially linked to macrophages in infiltrates.
Conclusions:
- Complement system activation is implicated in periodic disease.
- Elevated complement levels offer diagnostic value for periodic disease.
- Findings are relevant for diagnosis before and after colchicine therapy.
Abstract:
The complement system was investigated in 29 patients suffering from authentic periodic disease. A statistically significant increase in C4, also in total complement and C3 could be demonstrated. It is possible that the increase in C4 was due to the macrophages which are always present in the infiltrates of periodic disease. This biological observation is of clear practical importance for the diagnosis of the condition both before and after colchicine therapy.