Serological profile of rheumatoid arthritis in a tertiary care hospital

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune based inflammatory pathology with involvement of joints that show early morning stiffness alongwith pain resulting in loss of function. It usually affects females aged 30 years or above. A total of 150 patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis were included in the present study of which 120 were females and 30 males (F:M=4:1). Serological tests were carried out in these patients. These test were analyzed for their sensitivity as well as specificity. Combination of various test were also assessed for their results. In the present, study age and sex of patient affected by Rheumatoid arthritis was analysed. Combination of serological tests provided a high specificity as can be seen from the present study. Quantitative Rheumatoid factor estimation and Anti Rheumatoid antibodies assay gave the maximum specificity of 89.8%. A combination of serological tests is advisable rather than a single diagnostic test. This allows for the early diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis so as to prevent complications by the disease.