Sequential synovial fluid sampling suggests plasma and synovial fluid IL-6 vary independently in rheumatoid arthritis.

摘要

We recruited six volunteers aged 36-64 yr with RA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Each volunteer had active disease (at least three swollen and three tender joints) and a large knee effusion. After establishing the technique, we obtained paired blood and synovial fluid samples in three patients. One patient was taking prednisolone 7.5 mg daily, but no other patient was taking glucocorticoids and none had had intra-articular or intra-muscular glucocorticoids for more than 10 weeks. After we had obtained written consent, each patient was admitted and remained on bed rest between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. With the patient on the bed, we used an aseptic non-touch technique including sterile gown and gloves to insert a synovial catheter.