Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropositivity versus Seronegativity; A Comparative Cross-sectional Study Arising from Moroccan...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis often relies on rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).
• A significant portion (20%) of RA patients are seronegative, lacking these biomarkers.
• Understanding distinctions between seropositive and seronegative RA is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate clinical, biological, imaging, therapeutic, and evolutionary differences between seropositive and seronegative RA.
• To identify specific characteristics associated with each RA phenotype.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study involving 294 RA patients (January 2012 - January 2018).
• RA seronegativity defined as absence of both RF and ACPA; seropositivity defined by presence of at least one.
• Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to compare patient groups.

Main Results:

• Seropositive RA was predominant (90%) in this Moroccan cohort.
• Seropositive RA demonstrated significantly more synovitis, deformities, and radiographic bone destruction.
• Seropositive RA exhibited greater overall severity and a higher incidence of systemic manifestations.

Conclusions:

• The seropositive form of RA is dominant in the Moroccan population studied.
• Seropositivity in RA is associated with increased clinical severity and joint destruction, leading to more deformities.
• Further research may explore targeted therapies for distinct RA phenotypes.