Galactomannan antigen levels were measured in 340 patients (311 female patients). For patients who exhibited galactomannan antigen levels ≥0.5 during the initial examination, a second examination was performed 3–6 months later. Conventional blood tests and chest radiography were also performed.
Elevated galactomannan antigen levels (≥0.5) were observed in 62 (18.2%) of 340 patients during the initial examination. A second examination was performed in 56 of 62 patients, 50 of whom exhibited elevated antigen levels. Elevated antigen levels were not associated with the use of any drug including anti-TNF agents. Serum galactomannan antigen levels were correlated with the albumin/globulin ratio (r=−0.19, p<0.001), γ-globulin (%; r=0.17, p=0.001), and hemoglobin concentration (r=−0.15, p=0.005). No patient was clinically diagnosed with invasive aspergillosis during the study period.
Serum galactomannan antigen levels are frequently elevated in a nonspecific manner in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.