Anti-streptolysin O, antinuclear antibodies and serum complement C3 level in glomerulonephritis

ABSTRACT

Anti-streptolysin 0 [ASO], anti-nuclear [ANA] antibodies and complement C [3] concentration were investigated in a total of 200 patients with glomerulonephritis [GN]. Abnormally high levels of Aso were found in 46% of patients with acute GN compared to 16% in chronic GN and 22% in end stage renal failure [ESRF], the mean +/- SD values among the 3 groups of patients and the control group were 336 +/- 329, 129 +/- 62, 140 +/- 89 and 132 +/- 50 respectively. The increase in Aso level in acute GN was statistically significant P < 0.01. Among the 50 patients with acute GN only 2 [4%] had antinuclear antibodies. ANA were also found in 8% and 5% of chronic GN and ESRF respectively. Hypocomplementaemia was found in 70% in acute GN compared to 42% in chronic GN and 18% in ESRF. Hypercomplementaemia was found in 44% in ESRF but in more of acute GN. Only those with acute GN had significant drop in the complement serum levels [mg/dL] P < 0.01