Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. It primarily involves synovial joints and is often triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including tobacco. RA typically starts in small peripheral joints and is usually symmetric.
One of the types of RA is Seropositive RA, where the presence of specific antibodies in the blood helps in its diagnosis. High positive ACPA (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies) levels, which can be above three times the upper limit of normal, are more specific for diagnosing RA than low positive ACPA levels. These antibodies may be present even before the appearance of symptoms, making early diagnosis and management critical.
Common symptoms of RA include joint pain and swelling, multiple joints being affected, and symmetrical joint symptoms. Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes and X-ray results showing bone and cartilage deterioration are also indicative of RA. Additionally, patients may develop rheumatoid nodules.
Rheumatoid arthritis can manifest in various ways, with symptoms including tender, warm, swollen joints, and stiffness that worsens in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. Patients often experience fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Additional symptoms specific to COVID-19, such as headache, chills, confusion, loss of taste or smell, and gastrointestinal issues, should also be monitored.
The pattern of RA symptoms can fluctuate, sometimes showing as “flares” with increased systemic symptoms rather than discrete joint swelling or tenderness. Fever occasionally occurs, typically low grade (37 to 38C, 99 to 100F).
Apart from joint symptoms, RA can affect other body parts, causing loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth (often related to Sjögren’s syndrome), and rheumatoid nodules.
Diagnosing RA can be challenging in its early stages as its symptoms mimic many other diseases. No single blood test or physical finding can conclusively confirm the diagnosis. During diagnosis, doctors check for joint swelling, redness, and warmth.
For more information on Seropositive RA, you can visit Rheumatoid Arthritis.org, Mayo Clinic, Verywell Health, Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, NCBI Bookshelf, UpToDate, Healthline, and Mayo Clinic.
