QuestionIn what instances can complement CH50 be elevated? Mine was 178 (norm 61-
120). What about elevated ASCA anti-bodies? Can they occur in the normal
population? Are there any instances when a person has inflammation but their
sed rate-CRP are normal? Thanks for your help.
AnswerHi Hanna,
CH50 is one of several special proteins in the body called complement. Complement protein levels are usually increased during acute or chronic inflammation. These all usually return to normal when the underlying condition is resolved.
Increased complement levels will not tell your doctor what is wrong, but they will give him/her an indication that the immune system is involved with your condition. Complement levels can be increased with inflammation, rising before other markers such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). So, possibly, this may be what happened in your case. The CH50 simply elevated before the ESR and CRP.
Elevated antisaccharomyces cerevisae antibodies (ASCA) are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Chron's disease. These antibodies can help doctors differentiate the type and severity of inflammation and are rarely found in normal people. ASCA antibodies indicate an abnormal immune response to baker's and brewer's yeast. Healthy people rarely show this immune response; the normal amount of ASCA antibodies is none.
Hope this helps!
Samantha
