Distinct responses of interleukin-6 and other laboratory parameters to treatment in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis.
We describe a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis in whom the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other laboratory parameters were monitored. The IL-6 and CRP levels, which were extremely high before treatment, declined rapidly with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. IgG, leukocyte count and platelet count declined more gradually. Thus, determination of the serum IL-6 level might be useful in diagnosing and monitoring Wegener's granulomatosis.
Fifth Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
H
H
Nakahama
T
T
Yokokawa
M
M
Okada
M
M
Miyazaki
N
N
Imai
S
S
Kubori
T
T
Nakanishi
O
O
Uyama
M
M
Sugita
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015415:Biomarkers; D015850:Interleukin-6; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D011239:Prednisolone