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[Significance of reduced complement level in the articular fluid. 81 cases].
Revue Du Rhumatisme Et Des Maladies Osteo-Articulaires
|January 1, 1983
Summary
A drop in joint fluid complement levels is common in rheumatoid arthritis but also occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus and other arthritis types. This finding impacts the diagnostic value of complement testing for rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Context:
- Complement levels in synovial fluid are a key diagnostic marker.
- Rheumatoid arthritis frequently exhibits decreased synovial fluid complement.
- The diagnostic utility of this marker requires careful consideration.
Purpose:
- To investigate the occurrence of decreased synovial fluid complement levels in various arthritic conditions.
- To assess the specificity of low synovial fluid complement for rheumatoid arthritis.
Summary:
- A decline in synovial fluid complement levels, often associated with rheumatoid arthritis, was observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, infectious arthritis, gout, articular chondrocalcinosis, and psoriatic rheumatism.
- These findings indicate that low complement levels are not exclusive to rheumatoid arthritis.
Impact:
- The diagnostic accuracy of synovial fluid complement levels for rheumatoid arthritis may be limited.
- Clinicians should consider alternative diagnoses when interpreting low synovial fluid complement levels.
- Further research may be needed to refine the diagnostic criteria for inflammatory arthritis.