[Glycoforms of alpha-1 antichymotrypsin in infectious process. Diagnostic value and follow-up].

Objectives: Three alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACT) glycans have been identified. We followed their levels during the septic processes in 24 patients in order to determine their diagnostic value in correlation with C-reactive peptide in patients with infection.

Methods: Sera were collected for assay on days 0, 3 and 6 after starting antibiotics. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alpha 1-ACT and C-reactive protein were determined.

Results: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate changed little while C-reactive protein fell sharply as in other inflammatory processes. Crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis showed a decreased formation of the Con-A non reactive fraction which disappeared rapidly after initiating antibiotics. Glycan microheterogeneity returned to normal at 6 days while C-reactive protein and alpha 1-ACT were still elevated.

Conclusion: Synthesis and glycosylation of alpha 1-ACT are independent. Study of alpha 1-ACT glycan microheterogeneity may provide a useful test in the diagnosis of inflammatory processes of unknown origin and may be helpful in following-up patients with sepsis.