Laboratory tests for diagnosing connective tissue diseases

The author describes three most useful groups of laboratory tests for connective tissue disease - hemogram, acute phase reactants and immune factors. Since most of these tests are relatively non-specific, the most valuable assets for arriving at the correct diagnosis of a connective tissue disease are still a complete history, thorough physical examination and a good knowledge of the course of the disease. Newer laboratory tests can then serve as adjuncts in confirming the diagnosis or following the course of the disease.

The treatment of gout and disorders of uric acid metabolism with allopurinol

Allopurinol (4-hydroxypyrazolo (3,4-d)-pyrimidine) is a potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor which inhibits the oxidation of naturally occurring oxypurines, thus decreasing uric acid formation. The clinical and metabolic effects of this agent were studied in 80 subjects with primary and secondary gout and other disorders of uric acid metabolism. Allopurinol has been universally successful in lowering the serum uric acid concentration and uric acid excretion to normal levels, while not significantly affecting the clearance of urate or other aspects of renal function. Oxypurine excretion increased concomitantly with the fall in urine uric acid. The agent is particularly valuable in the management of problems of gout with azotemia, acute uric acid nephropathy and uric acid urolithiasis. The minor side effects, clinical indications and theoretical complications are discussed.