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A new method for the detection of hidden IgM rheumatoid factor in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

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1987

Year

Abstract

The sera of 56 children with active seronegative juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were examined for the presence of hidden IgM rheumatoid factors (RF) by use of a rapid new method consisting of ion exchange chromatography and an ELISA assay. Elevated hidden IgM-RF levels were detected in 57% of all patients (median value 0.6 IU/ml, p less than 0.01), in 67% of patients with polyarticular disease (1.1 IU/ml, p less than 0.005), in 62% of the group with monoarticular disease (0.6 IU/ml, p less than 0.02), and in 60% of the group with systemic disease (0.6 IU/ml, NS). Whereas hidden IgM-RF plays no role in HLA-B27 positive disease, we found raised titers in 86% of B27 negative patients (0.8 IU/ml, p less than 0.001).