Serum Ceruloplasmin Concentration in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriasis and Sarcoidosis

Abstract

Summary The serum ceruloplasmin content was studied in 58 healthy persons, 31 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 13 with ankylosing spondylitis, 70 with uncomplicated psoriasis, 27 with psoriasis complicated by arthritis, 11 with sarcoidosis and affected joints, and 10 with sarcoidosis and unaffected joints. Serum ceruloplasmin was significantly elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The ceruloplasmin concentration was normal in patients suffering from uncomplicated psoriasis and in patients with joint involvement without roentgenologic evidence of arthritis. Patients with psoriasis and roentgenologically confirmed arthritis had a significantly elevated mean serum ceruloplasmin concentration. Patients with sarcoidosis showed a tendency towards high ceruloplasmin values if the joints were affected. This was not so clear, however, as in psoriatic arthritis.