Introduction: For the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the detection of the autoantibodies, rheumatoid factor (FR) and cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (APCC) are used. The presence of these antibodies determines that the RA is classified as seropositive or seronegative, with important implications both in the clinical development and in the prognosis of the disease.
Objective: To assess the role of APCC and RF in the diagnosis of RA, as well as its influence on the establishment of pharmacological treatment.
Methodology: We studied 213 patients with initial clinical suspicion of RA and with determinations of FR and APCC. Their definitive diagnosis and the pharmacological treatment established were studied.
Results: 63 of 213 patients had a definitive diagnosis of RA. 77.8% were classified as seropositive. The sensitivity and specificity were higher in the APCC compared to FR. Initially the RF presented a low diagnostic value since it was negative in more than two thirds of the patients with a diagnosis of RA. The precise adjustment of its reference value allowed its use as a useful diagnostic tool. The presence of antibodies in patients with RA influences the treatment of choice with an increased use of Methotrexate against other immunosuppressants in seropositive patients.
Conclusions: The APCC presented better parameters of diagnostic test validity than the RF. The presence of antibodies in RA influences the treatment of choice possibly due to the greater severity of the pathology.
Role of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies and Rheumatoid Factor in the Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
