Case Study For February 2003

A 30-year-old female has symptoms of weight loss, malaise, fever, and anorexia. Arthritic pain is also noted in hands, wrists, and knees. Lab results indicate hypergammaglobulinemia, decreased number of T-cells and decreased complement components.

What other laboratory test do you recommend?

What other clinical presentation should the physician look for in this patient?

Answers