Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Anti-CCP is Associated with Greater Disease Burden in Kashmiri Population with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Syed Shafiaa, Zafar Amin Shaha, Fayaz A Sofib, Roohi Rasoola and Ayaz Gulla

Aim: To analyse the diagnostic value of anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) and to associate it with disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Kashmiri population.

Methods: The serum levels of anti-CCP levels were measured in 150 RA patients and 30 healthy controls by ELISA technique.

Result: 118 (78.66%) patients were positive for anti-CCP while none of the healthy controls were positive for the test. The mean ± SD serum anti-CCP levels were significantly (p<0.0001) higher in RA patients than in healthy controls (68.33 ± 42.13 U/mL vs 2.88 ± 1.81 U/mL). The sensitivity and specificity of the test was 78.67% (CI: 71.24-84.93 and 100 % (CI: 88.32-100%) respectively. The PPV and NPV of test for RA diagnosis was 100% (CI: 96.89-100%), and 48.39% (CI: 35.50-61.43%) respectively. There was a significant correlation between higher mean ± SD anti-CCP levels and female gender (p = 0.01), ESR > 20 mm/h (p = 0.01), RF positivity (p = 0.0001) and High DAS28 Score (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion: Serum anti-CCP is a very accurate marker for RA diagnosis and the patients with higher levels of anti-CCP have more aggressive form of disease. Therefore, its early detection may help clinicians in early diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease.