Name: Rheumatoid Arthritis Test Panel
SKU: 76
Price: 135.00 USD
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Description

A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that affects multiple synovial lined joints. The natural history of the condition is one of progressive articular damage leading to joint deformation and disabilities. RA is associated with a number of co-morbidities particularly in the cardiovascular system.

The prevalence of RA seems to be relatively uniform around the world. The risk of developing RA does however vary between ethnic populations in the same global region, demonstrating a genetic component to this disease. The prevalence of RA in the general population is less than 1% but rises to between 2 – 4% in siblings of RA patients.

Common (More than 200,000 cases per year in US)

Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure

Requires lab test or imaging

Common for ages 50 and older

More common in females

Family history may increase likelihood

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Swollen joints
Accumulation of fluid in the ankles
Morning stiffness
Joint pain
Fatigue
Joint redness
Increased eye sensitivity and dryness
Mouth dryness
Nodules on the skin
Inflammation of the lungs

Diagnosis involves physical exam in combination with several tests. No single test can be used alone for diagnosis. Early stages of rheumatoid arthritis are difficult to diagnose since signs are non-specific.

Treatment

Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications and in severe cases, surgery.

Procedures

Tendon repair surgery: To repair damaged tendon.

Synovectomy: To remove affected synovium.

Joint replacement surgery: Replacing joint with prosthesis.

Therapy

Physical therapy: To improve joint movement.

Self-care

Regular exercise and weight management.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

Fish oils and plant oils e.g. olive and coconut oil reduce arthritis
Leafy vegetables, aloe vera, ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory agents

Foods to avoid:

Red meat, refined grains, dairy products, saturated fats worsen inflammation

Clinical Utility

Gender and genes largely determine a person’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. While the specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, it is believed that individuals with the HLA-DR1 or HLA-DR4 alleles have an increased risk for developing the disorder. However, genetics alone are not enough to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis; various lab tests, and x-rays, as well as characteristic signs and symptoms, are generally used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Genetic testing can contribute to a better understanding of the origin of the disease for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Scientific References

Cope AP et al. T cell responses to a human cartilage autoantigen in the context of rheumatoid arthritis-associated and nonassociated HLA-DR4 alleles. Arthritis Rheum. 1999; 42:1497.
du Montcel ST et al. New classification of HLA-DRB1 alleles supports the shared epitope hypothesis of rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. Arthritis Rheum. 2005; 52:1063.
Hill JA et al. Cutting edge: the conversion of arginine to citrulline allows for a high-affinity peptide interaction with the rheumatoid arthritis-associated HLA-DRB1*0401 MHC class II molecule. J Immunol. 2003; 171:538.
Huizinga TW et al. Refining the complex rheumatoid arthritis phenotype based on specificity of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope for antibodies to citrullinated proteins. Arthritis Rheum. 2005; 52:3433.
Klareskog L et al. A new model for an etiology of rheumatoid arthritis: smoking may trigger HLA-DR (shared epitope)-restricted immune reactions to autoantigens modified by citrullination. Arthritis Rheum. 2006; 54:38.
Maksymowych WP et al. HLA and cytokine gene polymorphisms in relation to occurrence of palindromic rheumatism and its progression to rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2002; 29:2319.