[Glycoforms of alpha-1 antichymotrypsin in infectious process. Diagnostic value and follow-up].
OBJECTIVE
Three alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACT) glycans have been identified. We followed their levels during the septic processes in 24 patients in order to determine their diagnostic value in correlation with C-reactive peptide in patients with infection.


METHODS
Sera were collected for assay on days 0, 3 and 6 after starting antibiotics. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alpha 1-ACT and C-reactive protein were determined.


RESULTS
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate changed little while C-reactive protein fell sharply as in other inflammatory processes. Crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis showed a decreased formation of the Con-A non reactive fraction which disappeared rapidly after initiating antibiotics. Glycan microheterogeneity returned to normal at 6 days while C-reactive protein and alpha 1-ACT were still elevated.


CONCLUSIONS
Synthesis and glycosylation of alpha 1-ACT are independent. Study of alpha 1-ACT glycan microheterogeneity may provide a useful test in the diagnosis of inflammatory processes of unknown origin and may be helpful in following-up patients with sepsis.
Hachulla
E
E
Service de Médecine interne, Hôpital Claude Huriez, CHRU, Lille.
Laine
A
A
Blaringhem
T
T
Canva-Delcambre
V
V
Devulder
B
B
Degand
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015415:Biomarkers; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006031:Glycosylation; D006801:Humans; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
Etude des glycoformes de alpha 1-antichymotrypsine au cours des processus infectieux. Valeur diagnostique et suivi évolutif.