Abstract
Forty-one patients with progressive systemic sclerosis were studied for the presence of immune complexes by the fluid- and solid-phase C1q binding, C1 activation, and the fluid-phase conglutinin assays. Complement activation and autoantibodies were also studied. Immune complexes were detected in only 6 patients (15%); activation of complement was found in 5 others. The clinical and serologic features of patients with complexes were compared with those in whom complexes were not identified. No significant difference was found with respect to serology. Organ involvement was generally more frequent in the group with immune complexes, but the difference was statistically significant only with respect to lung involvement. The present data suggest that, although complement-fixing immune complexes are infrequently detected in progressive systemic sclerosis, they may play a role in the pathogenesis of lung lesions associated with the disease.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
