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The acute phase response in scleroderma. Differing responses to intravenous PGE1
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Scleroderma patients show an intact acute phase response, with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels significantly increasing after prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion. However, the degree of this response varies among patients, potentially linked to disease duration and skin involvement.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous reports suggest a defective acute phase response in scleroderma patients after prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion.
- Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by skin thickening and internal organ involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute phase response in scleroderma patients receiving intravenous PGE1.
- To compare serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before and after PGE1 or placebo infusion.
Main Methods:
- Serum CRP levels were measured in scleroderma patients and normal controls.
- Patients received a 72-hour intravenous infusion of either PGE1 or placebo.
- CRP levels were assessed at baseline and post-infusion.
Main Results:
- Scleroderma patients had significantly higher baseline CRP levels than normal controls (12 +/- 9.0 mcg/ml vs 1.4 +/- 1.7 mcg/ml).
- PGE1 infusion led to a significant increase in CRP levels in scleroderma patients (109 +/- 75 mcg/ml) compared to placebo (11 +/- 10 mcg/ml).
- Two distinct responses to PGE1 were observed: a large increase in CRP (167 +/- 32 mcg/ml) and a smaller increase (22 +/- 17 mcg/ml), with greater responses in patients with shorter disease duration and more cutaneous involvement.
Conclusions:
- The acute phase response appears to be intact in scleroderma patients.
- The magnitude of the acute phase response to PGE1 can vary in scleroderma patients.
- Disease duration and cutaneous involvement may influence the acute phase response to PGE1 in scleroderma.