Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
Fibrin(ogen)olysis in polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis: preliminary findings on association with disease
Abstract:
Postulating an increased production of fibrin(ogen)olytic degradation products (FDP) and an abnormality of fibrinogen metabolism in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA), we studied 16 PMR/TA patients and 10 control subjects using a sensitive radioimmunoassay for a specific type of FDP, namely, fibrin(ogen)-related D-antigen. Median serum D-antigen levels were increased five-fold in those 11 PMR/TA patients who were untreated compared with control subjects. In the five PMR/TA patients who were treated with prednisone the median D-antigen levels were not significantly different from those of the healthy controls. D-antigen concentration correlated significantly (r = 0.83) with ESR in the seven untreated PMR patients. In PMR patients prednisone therapy was followed by a reduction of serum D-antigen levels.
Insights
Elevated fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) are linked to polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA). Prednisone treatment reduced these markers in PMR patients, suggesting FDPs play a role in these inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA) are inflammatory conditions.
- Abnormalities in fibrinogen metabolism and increased fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) are postulated in PMR and TA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of fibrin(ogen)-related D-antigen, a specific FDP, in patients with PMR/TA.
- To assess the impact of prednisone treatment on D-antigen levels in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum D-antigen levels.
- 16 patients with PMR/TA and 10 healthy control subjects were studied.
- Correlation between D-antigen concentration and ESR was analyzed in untreated PMR patients.
Main Results:
- Untreated PMR/TA patients showed a five-fold increase in median serum D-antigen levels compared to controls.
- Treated PMR/TA patients (with prednisone) had D-antigen levels not significantly different from controls.
- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.83) was observed between D-antigen concentration and ESR in untreated PMR patients.
- Prednisone therapy led to a reduction in serum D-antigen levels in PMR patients.
Conclusions:
- Increased serum D-antigen levels are associated with active, untreated PMR and TA.
- Prednisone treatment effectively reduces serum D-antigen levels in PMR patients.
- Fibrinogen metabolism abnormalities, indicated by elevated FDPs, are implicated in the pathophysiology of PMR and TA.
