The estimation of circulating immune complexes, C3d, and anti-ds-DNA-antibody serum levels in the monitoring of therapeutic plasmapheresis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. A case report.
A short-time monitoring of therapeutic plasmapheresis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by the estimation of circulating immune complexes, C3d serum levels and anti-ds-DNA-antibodies is described. It was found that serum immune complexes, C3d, and anti-DNA-antibodies decreased even further shortly after plasma exchange. The decrease found in C1q binding material in the patient's serum was paralleled by a decrease in serum immune complexes containing acridine orange binding material, possibly representing ds-DNA. A rapid increase of serum immune complexes, C3d, and anti-ds-DNA-antibodies after plasma exchange therapy indicated an antibody rebound phenomenon followed by a relapse of the disease.
D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D015933:Complement C3d; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D010956:Plasmapheresis
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001323:Autoantibodies; D003176:Complement C3; D015933:Complement C3d; D004247:DNA