LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF SOLUBLE INTERCELLULAR-ADHESION MOLECULE-1 INRETINAL VASCULITIS PATIENTS

Increased levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1 ) in serum have been demonstrated in several human disease conditions. We have previously shown, in a point-prevalence study, a positive cor relation between sICAM-1 levels and disease relapse in patients with i diopathic retinal vasculitis. We now report a longitudinal study over 1 year in which sICAM-1 levels were compared with clinical disease sta tus in order to determine this relationship further. Serum samples fro m 11 patients with idiopathic retinal vasculitis were tested for the p resence of sICAM-1 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Eight control subjects were also tested; Five out of 11 patients presented with rel apse and had raised sICAM-1 levels compared with quiescent periods of their disease. Five out of 11 patients showed no relapse over 1 year a nd also no increase in sICAM-1 levels. One patient showed increased le vels of sICAM-1, but no clinical signs of relapse. These results indic ate that sICAM-1 is associated with disease activity in retinal vascul itis patients and could indicate dysfunction of the blood-retina barri er.