Related Experiment Videos
IgA and rheumatoid factor in ankylosing spondylitis
P Møller1, G Kleveland, T Egeland
1Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Rheumatoid factor (RF) can be present in ankylosing spondylitis patients, but elevated immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels are not due to IgA RF. Further research is needed to understand IgA levels in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Serology
Background:
- Elevated serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) in seronegative arthritis and psoriasis lacks clear understanding.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) is typically associated with rheumatoid arthritis, but its presence in other arthritic conditions is less defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of RF across different immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgG, IgM) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- To determine if RF positivity correlates with Ig concentrations, HLA-B27 status, or clinical disease manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect IgA RF, IgG RF, and IgM RF.
- 112 patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis were included in the study cohort.
Main Results:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) was detected in a small proportion of ankylosing spondylitis patients: 2 for IgA RF, 2 for IgG RF, and 10 for IgM RF.
- No significant correlation was found between RF presence and overall Ig concentrations, HLA-B27 positivity, or clinical disease indicators.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) can be present in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, particularly IgM RF.
- The observed elevated serum IgA levels in some ankylosing spondylitis patients are not attributable to IgA-specific rheumatoid factor.