Serum concentrations of soluble interleukin 2 receptor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: effect of second line drugs

Measuring blood levels of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) may not be effective method for monitoring the condition of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. Among 79 patients between 46 and 64 years old suffering from rheumatoid arthritis whose blood levels of sIL-2R were measured, 41 were treated with sodium aurothiomalate, 18 were treated with auranofin and 20 were treated with sulphasalazine. No significant association was found between blood levels of sIL-2R and different clinical indications of disease severity. None of the drugs affected blood levels of sIL-2R significantly despite clinical improvement among patients in all three treatment groups. Blood levels of sIL-2R have been used to monitor the condition of patients suffering from other disorders involving the immune system.