STUDY OF ANTICOLLAGEN II ANTIBODIES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Abstract

In this present study, the ann was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of antibodies to CIT in patients with early RA and to define the possible correlation of antibodies to Cl! with clinical and laboratory markers of disease activity. The study was canied out on thirty patients, fifteen patients with early and active rheumatoid arthritis and the other fifteen patients with early inactive rheumatoid arthritis. The control group consisted often age-sex-matched subjects. Both

cases and controls were subjected to detailed history taking with special emphasis on disease duration and symptoms of activity. Thorough clinical assessment, noting signs of disease activity (clinical activity was estimated by 2 subjective measures (duration of mornmg stiffness and pain scale) and two semi objective measures ( t,>rip strength and Ritchie articular index). Radiographs of the hands were assessed for radiological evidence of

bone erosions.

Laboratory investigations assessed were:

- Hemoglobin levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. - Quantitative rheumatoid factor (Rose-Waaler).

- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA).

- Assay for antibodies to human native type II collagen m sera [by

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)].