[Increased level of nitrogen radicals in serum of patients with rheumatic diseases and AIDS].

354 sera from venous blood of patients with various rheumatic diseases and AIDS were assayed for the presence of reactive nitrogen intermediates. Compared to healthy individuals, the serum levels of nitric oxides from patients with connective tissue diseases and inflammatory rheumatic diseases were elevated (P < 0.01) by 170-600% and those from HIV-infected patients by 220%.