CHANGES IN AGALACTOSYL IGG LEVELS CORRELATE WITH RADIOLOGICAL PROGRESSION IN EARLY RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Immunoglobulin G-lacking galactose (Gal[0]) appears to be helpful in d ifferential diagnosis of early synovitis, and correlates with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its utility for RA monitoring a nd prognosis has been evaluated in the present study. Forty-eight pati ents with early RA were observed for 3 years. Hand radiographs were as sessed according to Larsen and results were expressed as damage score (DS) and progression of damage score (PDS). Gal[0], DS, and PDS were e valuated at the onset of the study and after 1 and 3 years. The averag e values of Gal[0] in RA patients at the onset of the observation were significantly higher as compared to healthy controls (0.43+/-0.22 vs. -0.03+/-0.09, P<0.05). The findings of Gal[0] after a 3-year follow-u p were also higher as compared to healthy controls (0.37+/-0.21 vs. -0 .03+/-0.09, P<0.05). Radiological progression (PDS>1S) was observed in 16 patients, This group was characterized by a constantly high level of Gal[0]. The level of Gal[0] in patients without or with moderate ra diological progression (PDS<15) was significantly lower at the onset o f the study and remained low during the observation. The relationship between Gal[0] and radiological progression was shown. The data thus f ar obtained suggest that Gal[0] may serve as an indicator for the dise ase course in patients with RA. Secondly, we cannot exclude the possib ility that the constantly elevated level of Gal[0] causes erosions.