Serum Beta1C Globulin in Glomerulonephritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Beta1C globulin was measured in serum from 240 patients with renal diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by a simple radial gel-diffusion method. Values below 97 mg/100 ml were considered abnormal and were noted in 22 of 28 patients with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, 3 patients with chronic hypocomplementemic nephritis, and 25 of 45 patients with SLE. The low beta1C globulin level usually returned to normal 3 to 6 weeks after the onset of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis; however, in two patients normal values were noted in the first week of the disease. In patients with SLE, low values of beta1C globulin correlated directly with activity of the disease. Patients with chronic disease activity and those in remission had normal levels of beta1C globulin. The estimation of serum beta1C globulin in patients with SLE appears to be of value not only in the initial diagnosis but also in judging disease activity.