Immunoglobulins and Rheumatoid Factor in Sera from Patients with Liver Diseases

Abstract

The presence of hypergammaglobulinemia and serlogical abnormalities in sera from patients with liver diseases has been demonstrated but clinical values for diagnosing liver diseases are yet unclear. In an attempt to elucidate these subject, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) was determined in 117 patients with liver diseases by the single radial immunodiffusion method of Mancimi et al. The Ig levels were compare with the stage of diseases, liver function test and rheumatoid factor (Rf) titer.
Serum IgM levels elevated in acute hepatitis, and IgG and IgA levels were normal or only slightly increased. There were wide variations among the sera from patients with chronic liver diseases. The mean levels of each of the three Ig classes in active forms of chronic hepatitis was higher than those of inactive forms. A particular increase of IgM or a decrease of IgA were sometimes observed in cases of liver cirrhosis.
Rf was found in 11.4% of cases with acute hepatitis, in 43.1% of chronic hepatitis and in 45.1% of liver cirrhosis. Half of these patients had Rf titers of 1: 160 or greater. Rf titer in active forms of chronic liver diseases was higher than those of inactive forms. No quantitative relationships were found between any of the Ig levels and Rf titer. A correlation between Rf titer and PTT was found, but no correlations were found between Rf titer and GPT or CCFT.
These results indicate that the measurement of Ig and Rf have clinical values for diagnosis of liver diseases.