THE PRESENCE OF IgA-RHEUMATOID FACTOR IN ACTIVE JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Rheumatoid factor (RF), particularly IgM RF, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. IgG and IgA have been reported. In children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), IgM RF is not routinely found. The incidence of IgA RF is not known. This study was designed to determine the incidence of IgA RF in children with JRA and correlate its presence with disease activity and outcome. An ELISA assay using rabbit IgG antigen was used to detect IgA RF in the sera of 61 children with JRA. The overall incidence of IgA RF seropositivity was 47%. The incidence was 84% in patients with inactive disease, as manifested by warm joints and morning stiffness and 3% in patients with inactive disease or disease in remission. IgA RF disappeared from active seropositive patients when the disease became inactive. Of thirty-one patients with active disease, 27 were IgA RF positive, of whom 22 were in functional Class III-IV and 5 were in functional Class I-II. In summary, IgA RF is present in the majority of patients with active JRA.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD