Blood Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Predicting and preventing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from developing may be a simple as a blood test.

Researchers from the University Hospital in Umea, Sweden, have confirmed RA can be predicted with a blood test that shows the presence of cytokines. Cytokines are present and functionally active in the synovial tissue once the condition has developed. 

Doctors say that early diagnosis of RA is crucial to preventing disease progression and possible joint damage and replacement.

The study included 400 patients whose blood samples were analyzed. Researchers found those who went on to develop RA differed from control subjects in the presence of TH1cell-, TH2cell-, and Treg cell-related cytokines.

“We observed a clear relationship between cytokines related not only to Th1, Th2 and Treg cells but also to Th17 and the presence of anti-CCP antibodies, thereby supporting the concept that the immune system was already stimulated and disease was developing toward RA," lead researcher Dr. Rantapaa-Dahlqvist was quoted as saying.

SOURCE: Arthritis & Rheumatism, February 2010

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