Serum copper, caeruloplasmin and non-caeruloplasmin copper in rheumatoid arthritis: a clinico-laboratory study

ABSTRACT

A controlled clinico-laboratory study was carried out. Serum copper; caeruloplasmin and non-caeruloplasmin copper were measured in 48 patients with rheumatoid arthritis [R.A.]. The following clinical markers were used to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritic patients morning stiffness, grip strength, pain, joint swelling and articular index. The following laboratory markers were also used ESR, Hb concentration, serum albumin, globulin and IgM rheumatoid factor. Serum copper and caeruloplasmin values were significantly higher [P < 0.001] than that of controls. There was a close positive correlation between serum copper and caeruloplasmin in both patients and controls [P < 0.001]. However, no correlation was found between serum copper and non caeruloplasmin cooper. Patients with extensive erosion exhibited serum copper and caeruloplasmin levels significantly higher [P < 0.05] than those with minimal erosion. Serum copper and caeruloplasmin levels correlated positively with ESR [P < 0.001], grip strength [P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively], joint swelling [P < 0.05]; rheumatoid factor [P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively], serum globulin [P < 0.002, and P < 0.02 respectively], Hb concentration [P < 0.002 and P < 0.05 respectively]. There were significant reductions in serum copper and caeruloplasmin levels in response to treatment with D-penicillamine and gold