Isotypes may Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis

Measuring for the presence of three rheumatoid factor isotypes may increase the chance of serologically diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology.

Researchers from the Associated Regional and University Pathologists Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology in Salt Lake City analyzed serum samples from 1,021 general population patients. They examined the value of measuring RF isotypes in relation to IgG anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in the general population.

The results demonstrated the measuring the three isotypes of RF may increase by seven- to 21-fold the chance of making the serologic diagnosis of RA.