Aggressive nature of rheumatic arthritis with citrullinated cyclic peptide antibodies

UNLABELLED: Numerous studies demonstrate the high specificity (90-98%) of the anticyclic citrullinated antibodies (antiCCP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their correlation with the erosive arthritis, these antibodies being a disease activity marker and a prognostic factor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 53 RA patients (48 women, 5 men), mean age 47.3 years old, diagnosed according to the ACR criteria were evaluated. The clinical evaluation was centered upon: tender joint count, swollen joint count, patient pain (VAS), morning stiffness and disease activity score (DAS28). The laboratory tests had in view: the inflammatory syndrome, blood count, immunological syndrome (antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, antiCCP antibodies), radiographs of the hands and feet. RESULTS: The high levels of the anti-CCP antibodies founded in 28 patients with RA were correlated with severity of the inflammatory syndrome, the immunological abnormalities and with the precocity appearance of the joint erosions. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the anti-CCP antibodies at patients with RA are correlated with severe joint destruction and it represents a marker of the disease activity and progression.