Differential diagnostic value of nephelometrically determined protein fractions in the synovial fluid

Synovial fluids of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis with effusions of the knees were examined. Different parameters were evaluated out of the synovial fluid (immunglobulins, Complement-1Q,-3,-4, haptoglobins, alpha-1-anti-trypsin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, rheumatoid factors, total count of cells, and ragocytes) and out of the plasma (blood sedimentation rate). The proteins were analysed by a nephelometricturbidimetric automatic centrifugal analyser. All parameters have been tested by valuable statistical methods and correlated to each other. The results worked out proved the reliability of the used test kits and apparative systems. Correlations within groups of parameters according to their formations (intra-and/or extraarticular) could not have been worked out in a way as it may be supposed. In contrast some parameters themselves are statistically different comparing rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In general the results are on a higher level in the rheumatoid arthritis group. Using all parameters mentioned above the statistical differential diagnostic level is based on about 94%. If only blood sedimentation rate, total cell count and ragocytes are evaluated the level is based on 68%.