[Aggressive nature of rheumatic arthritis with citrullinated cyclic peptide antibodies]

Numerous studies demonstrate the high specificity (90-98%) of the anticyclic citrullinated antibodies (antiCCP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their correlation with the erosive arthritis, these antibodies being a disease activity marker and a prognostic factor.

A total of 53 RA patients (48 women, 5 men), mean age 47.3 years old, diagnosed according to the ACR criteria were evaluated. The clinical evaluation was centered upon: tender joint count, swollen joint count, patient pain (VAS), morning stiffness and disease activity score (DAS28). The laboratory tests had in view: the inflammatory syndrome, blood count, immunological syndrome (antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, antiCCP antibodies), radiographs of the hands and feet.

The high levels of the anti-CCP antibodies founded in 28 patients with RA were correlated with severity of the inflammatory syndrome, the immunological abnormalities and with the precocity appearance of the joint erosions.

The presence of the anti-CCP antibodies at patients with RA are correlated with severe joint destruction and it represents a marker of the disease activity and progression.