It's all down hill after 40

Clinical Findings

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disorder of the synovial membranes, is one of the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. Approximately 1% of the world population is affected. The diagnosis of RA depends primarily on clinical manifestations, but laboratory results are helpful in differential diagnosis and disease management. Early diagnosis of RA is important both in disease treatment and management.1

Historically, rheumatoid factor (RF) has long been the serologic indicator for RA. However, it has been known for years that anti-keratin autoantibodies (AKA), also known as anti-perinuclear autoantibodies, are detected in 40-55% of RA patients2 and in 40-50% of clinically diagnosed RA patients who are RF negative.3,4 AKA is considered significantly more specific than RF. Additionally, AKA may precede the clinical appearance of RA by months or years.

Recently it was determined that AKA recognize an epitope that contains citrulline, the deiminated form of arginine.5 IgG antibodies against a synthetic peptide containing citrulline known as CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) has proven to be superior to either AKA or RF testing in differentiating RA from other autoimmune diseases.6,7 The presence of CCP antibody occurs independently of elevated RF levels in patients with RA. fact sheet

Izzie, hoping things are going well for you. I'm getting closer to having the RA meds at the right levels. Been easier to type lately.