[Determination of the phagocytic ability of leukocytes in patients with chronic polyarthritis]

The phagocytic function of leukocytes from peripheral blood of patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis was investigated using nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction of formazan. One control group (A) and two groups of RA-patients were compared. Group B was treated with nonsteroidal antirheumatics, the third group C additionally with low dose steroids (5,0-7,5 mg/d). Reduction to formazan was increased in group B in relation to the control, whereas treatment with cortico-steroids produced decreased phagocytic function of peripheral leukocytes.