Abstract

CASTILLO ROJAS, Jhon Fernando  and  ORTIZ TEJEDOR, Jonnathan Gerardo. Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, diagnostic utility and relationship with the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Vive Rev. Salud [online]. 2025, vol.8, n.22, pp.25-38.  Epub Jan 22, 2025. ISSN 2664-3243.  https://doi.org/10.33996/revistavive.v8i22.360.

Early diagnosis and classification of rheumatoid arthritis are crucial to prevent joint damage and improve the quality of life of patients, due to its worldwide prevalence. The objective of the present research was to analyze the diagnostic utility of the biomarkers rheumatoid factor and antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides in the identification of rheumatoid arthritis and its relationship with the severity of the disease. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, with a secondary documentary analysis approach in 296 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, treated in a second-level hospital in the city of Loja, Ecuador, during the year 2023. The results indicated that 81.1% of patients are in the early stages of the disease, highlighting the importance of early detection to prevent joint damage. The prevalence was higher in women, with 79.4%, suggesting the need for specific diagnostic approaches; 92.6% of patients were adults and older, so the application of adapted management strategies is recommended. The two biomarkers presented significant associations with the stages of disease severity, with the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody being more reliable and specific at 95%, which highlights the need for the complementary use of both for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient.

Keywords : Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies; rheumatoid arthritis; Biomarkers; Rheumatoid factor.

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )