The Diagnostic Value of the Second Generation Anti-CCP Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The purpose of this research was to compare the diagnostic values of laboratory variables, to present quantitative evaluations of the diagnostic test with reference to sensitivity, and specificity, the predictive value of the positive and negative test and precision of the test for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP 2) antibodies, rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), DAS 28 index, in early diagnosis of untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using the ELISA technology of DIA-STATTM Anti-CCP (Axis-Shield Diagnostics), the serum has been examined in 70 participants (35 RA who were not treated, 35 healthy controls). RF was defined with the test for agglutination (Latex RF test) in the same participants. In 23 of the 35 examined patients with RA, we found presence of anti-CCP 2 antibodies (sensitivity of the test 65.71%), while RF appeared in 17 patients (sensitivity of the test 48.57%). Twelve patients were anti-CCP 2 and RF positive, 11 were anti-CCP 2 positive but RF negative. Five patients were anti-CCP 2 negative and RF positive. Out of 18 RF negative patients, 11 were anti-CCP 2 positive. In 17 RF positive patients, anti-CCP 2 antibodies were positive in 12 patients. In the healthy control group, 1 patient was anti-CCP 2 positive, while 2 patients were RF positive. Anti- CCP 2 antibodies have higher sensitivity and specificity than RF in RA.