title: The role of immune complexes in early syphilis and in the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.
abstract: Circulating immune complexes (CIC) were detected in one of 11 patients with primary syphilis and in 5 of 12 patients with secondary syphilis. The level of CIC was significantly increased in patients with secondary syphilis. Four weeks later a significant decline in CIC was found. No relationship was demonstrated between CIC and affection of the skin, lymph nodes, or kidneys. An increased albumin excretion rate was demonstrated before treatment. No differences were found in the excretion rate of beta-2-microglobulin before or after treatment. Nineteen patients had a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction during treatment. An increase in CIC was found in 5 patients and a decrease in 7 patients. No correlation could be demonstrated between the level of or changes in CIC and the severity of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000150:complications; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin