The significance of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G in non-thrombocytopenic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
The possible pathogenetic significance of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been studied, using a semiquantitative immunofluorescence technique. The study included 22 patients suffering from SLE during the period 1973-81. Thirteen patients had various clinical and/or laboratory signs of disease activity at the time of investigation, but none showed thrombocyte values below the normal range. A positive reaction for platelet-associated immunoglobulin in serum (indirect PlIgG) was demonstrated in 73 percent of the cases and in two patients on their own platelets also (direct PlIgG). The study included investigation of ANA (80% positive) and anti-DNA (positive in three patients only). A significant negative correlation was found between indirect PlIgG and platelet count and between ANA (/IgG or IgM) and platelet count. Indirect PlIgG correlated with known expressions of disease activity, as high ESR and low Hb, and in patients with direct PlIgG, several markers of disease activity were found to be present. It is concluded that PlIgG may be of pathogenetic importance and can be used as a marker of disease activity.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D007074:Immunoglobulin G