RF AND ANTI-CCPANTIBODY TESTS- A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is autoimmune disease associated with chronic inammation of joints causing deformities and functional impairment. Diagnosis primarily depends on clinical manifestations because of lack of suitable diagnostic tests. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an autoantibody specic for Fc portion of human IgG. RF has low specicity as high false positive results are common in general population. Anti CCP antibody is also useful marker to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and included in one of the criteria of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) /European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) classication of RA. Thus the present study was planned to compare the diagnostic utility of RF and Anti CCP antibody test in Rheumatoid arthritis patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital. AIM & OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic utility of RF and Anti CCP antibody test in Rheumatoid arthritis patients. Material & METHODS: A total of 200 samples were taken from clinically suspected RA patients over a period of one year.RF was determined by latex agglutination method (SPAN DIAGNOSTICS Ltd.) and Anti CCP antibody by ECLIA (e-Cobas analyzer). The tests were performed as per manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: Out of total 200 samples tested, Both RF and Anti CCP Antibody was positive in 100cases(50%). Only RF positivity was seen in 104(52%) and only Anti CCP antibody was positive in 140 (70%). We found Anti –CCP Sensitivity, Specicity,Positive predictive value,Negative predictive value result as 73.52% , 93.75%, 96.10%, 62.50% respectively.In present study combination of Anti CCPantibody and Rheumatoid factor together have shown positive predictive value for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients which lack specic signs and symptoms related to diagnosis of RA. Conclusion: Anti CCP antibody test and RF can be used concomitantly to diagnose Rheumatoid arthritis and can be used in clinical settings so that appropriate management can be initiated to decrease future morbidity.