The role of circulating hepatitis B antigen/antibody immune complexes in the pathogenesis of vascular and hepatic manifestations in polyarteritis nodosa.

摘要: To investigate further the role of hepatitis B antigen (HBs Ag) and specific immune complexes in polyarteritis, sera from 55 histologically confirmed cases were tested for presence antigen-associated particles B-antibody (anti HBs) by solid phase radio-immunoassay, electron microscopy, passive haemagglutination. Results these findings have been correlated with clinical course disease. HBs Ag was detected 30 patients (54·5%) anti 13/45 (28%). Subtyping 20 revealed that 11 Y 9 D. Thirty-seven (69%) demonstrated either or 5/45 (11%) had both. Electron microscopic examination showed nm spherical tubular 20/27 42 clumped 12 (60%). No correlation found between detection liver disease whereas coexisting antibody aggregated restricted to active vasculitis. Seroconversion alone associated improved prognosis. Circulating may be responsible vasculitis polyarteritis but do not appear pathogenic liver.