Distinct responses of interleukin-6 and other laboratory parameters to treatment in a patient with wegener's granulomatosis

Abstract

We describe a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis in whom the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other laboratory parameters were monitored. The IL-6 and CRP levels, which were extremely high before treatment, declined rapidly with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. IgG, leukocyte count and platelet count declined more gradually. Thus, determination of the serum IL-6 level might be useful in diagnosing and monitoring Wegener's granulomatosis. © 1993, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.