Early diagnosis and evolution of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis: 321.04 – Rheumatology: Summary of Doctor of Medical Sciences Thesis

Abstract

The actuality and significance of the topic. Some researchers consider that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a single disease, but rather a collection of diseases. It could also be a disease with many different causes. However, RA is ultimately defined based on two main subtypes in adults: seropositive and seronegative. In seropositive RA, serological tests demonstrate high levels of antibodies called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF). These are specific markers for RA and can appear long before overt symptoms of the disease. About 60% to 80% of people diagnosed with RA have anti-CCP and RF. By definition, people with seronegative RA do not have these antibodies and complexes in their serum, although this is controversial.[...]