title: Anti-dsDNA and complement profiles as prognostic guides in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Antibodies to dsDNA, tested with circular DNA in the Farr assay, are specific for systemic lupus erythematosus. A longitudinal study showed a clear relation between the clinical state, the anti-dsDNA titer (expressed in units), and the C1q and C3 levels: when anti-dsDNA levels remained high, no exacerbations were observed. A sharp drop in anti-dsDNA, usually preceded by a rise, was related to a serious exacerbation. Only during the exacerbation when both C1q and C3 were very low was renal involvement seen.
mesh_terms: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D002498:Centrifugation; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D003172:Complement C1 / Q000032:analysis; D003175:Complement C2 / Q000032:analysis; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology*; D004270:DNA, Circular; D004279:DNA, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D003172:Complement C1; D003175:Complement C2; D004270:DNA, Circular; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004247:DNA