089 - Autoantibodies testing in the diagnosis and follow up of rheumatoid arthritis: clinician’s question
Autor(s): V. Riccieri, V. Germano
Issue: RIMeL - IJLaM, Vol. 3, N. 3-S1, 2007 (MAF Servizi srl ed.)
Page(s): 89-91
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin, involving synovial joints, and preferring female gender in the 4th-5th decade of life. RA is mainly a symmetric erosive polyarthritis of the peripheral joints, such as hands and feet, that rapidly progresses leading to articular deformities and ankylosis. Thus RA is to be considered a highly invalidating condition, with a high degree of disability, especially in its aggressive form. Reliable laboratory investigations are thus necessary to early recognize RA, in order to rapidly starting effective treatments, able to act not only on signs and symptoms but also on the progression of the articular damage. Although specific laboratory parameters for RA are still lacking, the clinician needs to be able to correctly use the actually available exams, mainly at the early stage of the disease. A useful cooperation with the laboratory staff, with correct questions and reliable answers, is mandatory to achieve a rapid diagnosis and to start an effective therapy, in order to try to modify the progression and outcome of RA and to prevent the structural damage.