A prospective analysis of the arthritis syndrome and immune function in jejunoileal bypass patients

Fifty-two patients undergoing jejunoileal bypass surgery were prospectively evaluated to determine: 1) the incidence of the associated arthritic syndrome; 2) whether we could identify patients at risk for arthritis prior to surgery; and 3) changes in immune function. The incidence of arthritis was 28% and was frequently associated with dermatitis. No preoperative clinical or laboratory parameters identified those patients at risk to develop rheumatic problems. Circulating immune complexes were found in both arthritis and non-arthritis patients after surgery. Mean serum levels of IgA rose significantly after surgery only in patients who developed arthritis, but remained within the normal range. No other immunologic abnormalities were noted.