Abstract
B.F.T. and L.F.T.-S. were performed on 28 cases of R.A. Twenty four cases (85.7%) reacted positively in B.F.T. and 25 (89.4%) in L.F.T.-S. There was an agreement in 25 (89.4%) of 28 patients.
In 55 cases of various diseases including collagen diseases other than R.A., 6 (11%) reacted positively in B.F.T.
All cases whose B.F.T. were beyond 40 dilution showed positive C.R.P. Cases over third decade had tendency to show positive B.F.T. in above 40 dilution. In regard to osseous change and B.F.T. tended to be higher in its titer as the osseous change advanced.
Since none of the patients with simple arthralgia reacted positively, B.F.T. can be used for the differentiation between R.A. and simple arthralgia. It is noteworthy that B.F.T. becomes positive in very early stage of R.A. (even within 6 months) and jubinile form. B.F.T. is so simple and rapid to perform that it has a definite place for the another laboratory adjunct to R.A. and its allied condition.
We are greatly indebted to Prof. I. Mikata for his advice in writting this paper: Part of this paper was read at Japanese Rheumatic Association April 1960.
