Measurements of nonspecific humoral immune parameters in patients with chronic pyelonephritis.

The levels of autoantibody classes IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD against renal antigens together with CH50, C3, C4, lysozyme, and phagocytic activity against Staphylococcus aureus SG 511 and E. coli 014 were determined in serum samples from 3 groups of patients with chronic pyelonephritis. Increased levels of IgG and IgD were found in patients with severely impaired renal function while increased levels of IgM and IgD correlated with disease activity. C3 levels were increased with enhanced activity and C4 and lysozyme levels with reduced renal function and distinct activity. The value of these findings is discussed and the clinical usefulness of the determination of levels of IgM, IgD, C3, C4, and lysozyme is pointed out.