Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that principally affects synovial joints. RA is present in 0,5% to 1% of the global population. The incidence of RA is higher in women than in men and increases with age (1). RA can affect any joint but preferably small joints in hands and feet (2). The symptoms of RA include pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth and can finally lead to loss of joint functions (2). The systemic symptoms of RA include fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and muscle ache. Next to the joints RA can affect other organs such as skin, lungs, heart and blood vessels (3). RA can be classified using the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (2010 ACR/EULAR criteria) (4). This is a quantitative system in which scores can be obtained from: joint involvement, serologic markers, inflammation markers and duration of symptoms (4).