Comparison of the diagnostic potential of three anti-citrullinated protein antibodies as adjuncts to rheumatoid factor and CCP in a cohort of South African rheumatoid arthritis patients

ConclusionThese observations in this unique cohort of RA patients indicated novel associations of all three autoantibodies in regard to HLA-SE risk alleles, disease severity and tobacco use that were not reported before. Elevated anti-Sa titers designated a propensity of higher disease and high-risk alleles in our cohort. Anti-CEP-1 association with HLA-SE homozygosity and high-risk alleles is also novel in this group. Of note, measurement of anti-MCV antibodies on presentation, either as an adjunctive or even as a stand-alone test, surpassed all other biomarkers investigated here and, therefore, may add value to clinical management.
Source: Rheumatology International - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research