Participation of complement in nasal polyposis.

No changes in immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) and complement components C3 and C4 levels could be observed in patients suffering from both recurrent and acute nasal polyposis. However, in both groups of patients a significant decrease of the alternative pathway of complement activation (up to 80%) was found. In addition, patients suffering from the acute disease showed even decreased classical complement pathway (up to 20%). Examination of complement activation pathways was shown to be advantageous for the follow-up of the course of this disease.