Immunological markers and their importance in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the connective tissue, which most often affects several joints simultaneously. In addition to the clinical examination, laboratory blood tests play an important role in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the determination of specific immunological markers.

This disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, mainly the mucosa of the joints, causing constant inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness and gradual loss of mobility. Long-term inflammation can lead to joint deformities, but also affect other organic systems, including the hematological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The disease occurs more often in women aged 40–60 years.

The clinical picture of rheumatoid arthritis usually includes symmetrical involvement of the joints, especially the small joints of the hands and feet in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, the inflammation can also spread to the knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders and hips.

Typical symptoms are swollen and painful joints, morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, fatigue, mild fever and loss of appetite.

Analyses and parameters indicative of rheumatoid arthritis

The basic laboratory panel for rheumatoid arthritis includes determination of rheumatoid factors (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies.

Rheumatoid factor is a protein produced by the immune system that can react with the body’s own tissues. Elevated levels of RF in the blood are often associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome. However, RF is not completely specific, as it can also be present in other inflammatory or non-rheumatic diseases, even in elderly people without rheumatoid arthritis. For this reason, RF is used as part of a wider diagnostic evaluation, but not as the only criterion for establishing the diagnosis.

Some antibodies are also related to the prognosis of the disease

Anti-CCP antibodies (cyclic peptide anticitrulline) represent a very specific laboratory marker for rheumatoid arthritis. Their presence in the blood strongly indicates this disease and helps distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other autoimmune diseases that appear with arthritis.

Anti-CCP antibodies can often be detected in the early stages of the disease, even before the appearance of pronounced clinical symptoms. Also, their presence has prognostic significance, as it is associated with a more severe course of the disease and a higher risk of joint damage.

Is special preparation needed for these tests?

Venous blood samples are used for laboratory tests. No special preparation is required, but it is recommended that blood sampling is not done immediately after eating. The results are usually obtained within the same day, while the final interpretation is made by the doctor, in accordance with the clinical picture and other diagnostic findings.

Source: prizrenpost