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