Serum IgG, IgA and IgM concentration in 1,038 patients with various neurological disorders.

Abstract

Concentration of serum IgG, IgA and IgM in 1,038 unselected patients with various neurological diseases was determined. In 521 instances, the levels of CSF IgG, IgA and IgM were also established. In serum, the most frequent selective quantitative abnormality was found in the IgA concentration. In CSF, an increased level of IgG with normal IgA concentration and undetectable IgM was established about 8 times more frequently than isolated increase of CSF IgA. Selective quantitative abnormalities in serum IgG were observed in 35% of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis as compared to 5% in instances in the “definite” MS group. Abnormal bands in the serum gamma-globulin field were most frequently seen in electropherograms from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, in cases of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders and in patients with “definite” MS. No correlation between the concentration of serum and CSF immunoglobulins could be established. Most frequent quantitative abnormalities in serum IgG, IgA and/or IgM were established in malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, in patients with myopathies including myositides and in subacute or chronic inflammatory CNS disorders. Highest incidence of increased CSF IgG, IgA and/or IgM concentration was detected in patients with inflammatory CNS disease, in instances of “definite” MS and in malignant lymphoproliferative disorders with CNS symptomatology. Increased CSF IgG and IgA concentration with detectable levels of IgM in patients with elevated CSF total proteins indicated alterations in the blood/CNS barrier structures.