Rheumatoid factors specific for active rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Rheumatoid factors (RF) are antibodies that bind to the immunoglobulin subclass, IgG. Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis have appreciable RF levels in the blood and the synovial fluid, which surrounds and lubricates joint surfaces. However, patients with other chronic diseases can also have blood levels of RF. It would be helpful to be able to identify RFs which are specific to RA only, and previous work suggests that RFs that can bind to IgG from humans and from sheep may be most specific to RA. A laboratory test known as an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure RFs capable of binding both human and sheep IgG, and the test was evaluated using blood from 108 patients with RA, 231 patients with other connective tissue diseases, 317 hospital patients without rheumatic disease, and 48 healthy subjects. The new test was over 99 percent specific, compared with 94 percent specificity of the latex agglutination test, the standard used for RF detection. The new test produced many fewer false positive results in patients without rheumatic diseases. Fewer positive RF results also occurred for patients with rheumatic diseases, while the standard test provided positive RF results in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, the presence of active disease was accurately detected by the new test but not by the standard test. This test may prove, with further research, to be useful in diagnosis of RA, and may be useful in studying the RA disease process. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Rheumatoid factor

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Influence of anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

The effect of tumour necrosis factor neutralization with the chimeric monoclonal antibody infliximab on lipoproteins in patients with rheumatic diseases is examined.

Netherlands, Dosage and administration, Infliximab, Infliximab (Medication)

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Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in plasma, and reduced sympathoadrenal response to hypoglycaemia in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Results of the stimulation test on the function of adrenal androgens in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis are presented.

Slovakia, Analysis, Medical examination, Androgens, Middle aged women

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