Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and rheumatoid factor in HIV positive patients

The aim of this study was to determine the difference of anti-CCP and RF between HIV positive patients and a healthy control group. The rheumatological complications in HIV positive patients are rather common and are recognized as a serious problem that requires more attention. Anti-CCP and RF are the only laboratory tools for rheumatoid disorder diagnostics and predictors of the course of the disease. We determined anti-CCP and RF in sera of 35 healthy volunteers and 45 HIV positive patients. Data were compared using chi-square test, Mann–Whitney test and ROC curve statistics. Both parameters were significantly higher in HIV positive patients, and significant differences between areas under the anti-CCP and RF curves were observed. Median value for anti-CCP in HIV positive patients was higher than the reference interval, and RF values were, in the reference interval, suggested by the manufacturer. Both anti-CCP and RF are significantly higher in HIV positive patients. ROC analysis showed that anti-CCP distinguishes the two groups better than RF. Because of that, it would be of a great interest to investigate the HIV positive patients after the detailed rheumatological examination.