What does a complement blood test show?
A complement blood test measures the amount or activity of complement proteins in the blood. Complement proteins are part of the complement system. This system is made up of a group of proteins that work with the immune system to identify and fight disease-causing substances like viruses and bacteria.
What is the most common complement deficiency?
C2 deficiency is the most common complement deficiency, with frequency estimates between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 for homozygous C2-deficient patients.
What causes complement deficiencies?
Complement deficiency Acquired deficiency can be caused by infection. MBL deficiency is thought to be the most common. Uncontrolled or deranged complement activity can also cause disease by promoting inflammation. The complement system can be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
What does it mean if C3 is low?
Lower-than-normal levels of C3 proteins can be a sign of: An autoimmune disease such as psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or that you’re at a higher risk of developing an autoimmune disorder. C3 deficiency, which leads to recurring bacterial infections. Hemolytic anemia (AIHA).
What causes complement deficiency?
Complement component 2 deficiency is a disorder that causes the immune system to malfunction, resulting in a form of immunodeficiency. Immunodeficiencies are conditions in which the immune system is not able to protect the body effectively from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Does low C3 and C4 always mean lupus?
If your C3 and C4 levels are reduced, this may be a sign that you have lupus. Usually your total complement level is also slightly lower in this situation. Low C3 and C4 levels may also be a sign of alcoholic liver disease, but this is less common.
Can C3 and C4 be normal with lupus?
Lupus patients usually have low C3 and C4 levels during disease flares because of activation of the complement system by immune complexes (ICs) [1]. However, in remission periods, complement levels reach normal values.
How do you test for complement deficiency?
Laboratory testing for complement deficiency includes primary testing to determine which pathway is affected, followed by secondary testing to identify the deficient component or factor and reach a definitive diagnosis. When should complement deficiency be suspected?
What are Complement deficiencies?
Complement Deficiencies Complement is the term used to describe a group of serum proteins that are critically important in our defense against infection. There are deficiencies of each of the individual components of complement.
What is a complement blood test?
A complement blood test measures the amount or activity of complement proteins in the blood. Complement proteins are part of the complement system. This system is made up of a group of proteins that work with the immune system to identify and fight disease-causing substances like viruses and bacteria.
What does it mean if my complement protein is low?
If the test shows that your complement protein levels are not normal or that the proteins aren’t working with the immune system as well as they should, it can be a sign of an autoimmune disease or other serious health problem. Other names: complement antigen, compliment activity C3, C4, CH50, CH100, C1 C1q, C2 What is it used for?