The Complement System of Man

Abstract

Acquired AbnormalitiesAlterations in the complement system associated with human disease have been appreciated since early in this century,¹⁵² but only within recent years have measurements of serum complement components become clinically available. Interpretations of complement levels in pathologic states, however, must be made with caution. A finding of normal serum levels does not exclude processes involving activation of the complement system: the level may be maintained by increases in synthetic rate, or serum levels may not reflect intense local activation. Conversely, depressed levels may be due to diseases that damage the synthetic mechanism.In the discussion that follows no . . .