HLA-D Antigens in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Toxicity to Gold and Penicillamine

Abstract

The frequencies of HLA-D antigens were investigated in 77 Finnish patients who met the ARA criteria of classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis. The control material consisted of healthy blood donors. HLA-Dw4 was significantly (p < 0.01) increased and HLA-Dw2 significantly (p < 0.01) decreased in the patients. All HLA-Dw4-positive patients belonged to the seropositive group and in comparison with controls HLA-Dw4 antigen was increased highly significantly (p < 0.001) in the seropositive patients. With respect to HLA-Dw4 antigen, the seropositive and the seronegative group differed significantly (p < 0.05). All patients had received penicillamine treatment and 75 of them gold treatment before penicillamine. No significant associations were noted between any HLA-D antigen and gold or penicillamine toxicity. The previous gold toxicity seemed to be a significant factor with respect to the subsequent penicilliamine toxicity.