Clinical Information

The classic pathway of the complement system is composed of a series of proteins that are activated in response to the presence of immune complexes. This activation process results in the formation of the lytic membrane attack complex, as well as the generation of activation peptides that are chemotactic for neutrophils and that bind to immune complexes and complement receptors. The absence of early components (C1, C2, C4) of the complement cascade results in the inability of immune complexes to activate the cascade. Patients with deficiencies of the early complement proteins are unable to generate lytic activity or to clear immune complexes. These patients have increased susceptibility to infections with encapsulated microorganisms. They may also have symptoms that suggest autoimmune disease, and complement deficiency may be an etiologic factor in the development of autoimmune disease.

Although rare, C2 deficiency is the most common inherited complement deficiency. Homozygous C2 deficiency has an estimated prevalence ranging from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 40,000 (the prevalence of heterozygotes is 1 in 100 to 1 in 50). Half of the homozygous patients are clinically normal.

However, discoid lupus erythematosus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs in approximately one-third of patients with homozygous C2 deficiency. Patients with SLE and a C2 deficiency frequently have a normal anti-ds DNA titer. Clinically, many have lupus-like skin lesions and photosensitivity, but immunofluorescence studies may fail to demonstrate immunoglobulin or complement along the epidermal-dermal junction.

Other diseases reported to be associated with C2 deficiency include dermatomyositis, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, atrophoderma, cold urticaria, inflammatory bowel disease, and recurrent infections.

The laboratory findings that suggest C2 deficiency include a hemolytic complement (CH50) of nearly zero, with normal values for C3 and C4.