Identification of laboratory markers of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

To identify the laboratory markers of disease activity, by finding relationship of biochemical markers with clinical disease activity measurement in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. Cross sectional analytical study. Department of Immunology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi from January 2009 to January 2010 in collaboration with Fauji Foundation Hospital and Military Hospital Rawalpindi. One hundred patients diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis [RA] as per American college of Rheumatology [ACR] revised criteria 1987 and fulfilling the study's inclusion criteria were studied. These patients were assessed clinically according to Simplified Disease Activity Index [SDAI] and divided into three groups which were mild, moderate and severe based on disease activity. These three groups were then assessed for disease activity by Rheumatoid factor [RA factor], Anti Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide antibodies [anti CCP antibodies], Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate [ESR] and C- Reactive Proteins [CRP]. The association of these laboratory markers with three groups of disease activity was analyzed to detect most sensitive disease activity markers for RA. All the assessed laboratory markers that are RA factor, anti CCP antibodies, ESR and CRP are directly related with RA disease activity and any of them can be used to assess disease activity in RA. However a combination of the tests, analyzed in this study markers maybe used for better prediction of disease activity. The identification of the laboratory markers of disease activity may help physician to diagnose aggressive disease early and evaluate prognosis in RA patients