[Modification of systemic signs and elastase in neutrophilic granulocytes in inflammatory rheumatic diseases in childhood by immunoglobulin therapy].

Eight children suffering from various rheumatic diseases were treated with high-dose intravenously administered immunoglobulins. Signs of the disease were well controlled by this treatment. In all cases the levels of neutrophilic granulocyte elastase decreased during treatment, while there was no improvement of joint disease.