RESUMEN
Our study was designed to assess the additional diagnostic value of the anti-CCP 2 compared with other serological markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Our study included 22 patients with LsRA [Long standing rheumatoid arthritis][group I] ,20 with ERA [early rheumatoid arthritis] [group II] and 10 healthy control [group III]. Each one was subjected to full clinical examinations and the following tests [Hb, ESR, CRP latex, RF latex, RF Rose-Waaler, ANA ELISA and anti-CCP2 [Cyclic citrullinated peptide 2] ELISA. The sensitivity and specificity of anti-CCP 2 for diagnosis of RA were 76.2%, 100% respectively. This compared with the sensitivity and specificity of RF latex 30.9%, 100%, that of RF Rose-Waaler 88.1%, 80% and that of ANA 61.9 %, 80 %. Anti-CCP 2 was positive in 68.96% of seronegative RA by RF latex and in 40% of seronegative RA by RF Rose-Waaler
Conclusion: Anti-CCP2 proved to be a powerful diagnostic tool, especially in ambiguous cases or RA patients with negative RF, because of its good sensitivity, higher specificity and could be performed by easy, convenient ELISA method
RESUMEN
This study was planned to evaluate serum leptin levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis. The study included 80 patients with chronic viral hepatitis [chronic hepatitis C positive group [41 patients]. 23 non-cirrhotic and 18 patients post HCV cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B patient [25 patients] 10 patients non-cirrhotic and 15 post HBV cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B and C virus positive group. [14 patients] 6 non-cirrhotic and 8 patients post HBV and HCV cirrhosis. 10 healthy subjects of matched age and sex as a control group. The study showed that serum leptin levels was significantly elevated with non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic cases [chronic hepatitis] than the control while the highest concentration being seen in cirrhotic patients. There was a non significant difference in serum leptin levels with the different etiology of non-cirrhotic chronic viral hepatitis. Serum leptin levels showed a non significant difference between different Child classes. Serum leptin levels are sex dependent, higher in females than males. Serum leptin levels correlated positively with [BMI], this correlation was significant in females while not significant in males. Serum leptin was correlated positively with serum bilirubin, on the other hand serum leptin levels was inversely correlated significantly with serum albumin but no correlation with SGPT or SGOT. It can be concluded that in the course of chronic viral liver disease, serum leptin levels may reflect the extent of liver dysfunction Serum leptin levels is higher in patients with chronic hepatitis and is significantly increased in cirrhotic than non-cirrhotic and there is no correlation between BMI and its level