Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic inflammatory, auto immune Rheumatic disease. Although the precise aetiology of RA remains unknown¹, there is strong evidence for autoimmunity, ⁶ The aim of the present study  is to evaluate the use and significance of Anti CCP antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis with RF positive & in RF Sero Negative Rheumatoid Arthritis(early synovitis) and the Healthy Blood Donors as control. In this study a total number of 150 patients (each group50) including both males and females were studied. Anti-CCP was positive in 39 of 50 RA patients (78%), 14 of 50 (28%)  Early Synovitis cases & no HBD were positive for Anti CCP. RF was positive in38 of 50 RA patients, 21 of 50 ES patients & 4 of 50 healthy blood donors. Sensitivity of RF Test in RA is 76% & Specificity is 92%. Sensitivity of Anti CCP test in RA is 78% & Specificity is 100%. Anti CCP Test in Sero Negative RA patients (6 out of 12) is 50%. Being a specific marker in advanced RA, the Anti CCP antibody in ES is a very important predictor. So Anti CCP has the hallmark of establishing as a diagnostic tool, early predictor and provides additive sensitivity to RF. The presence of both in serum is a strong indicator of RA. So it should also be included among the diagnostic criteria of RA along with RF. and as a prognostic indicator in RA patients on treatment.  

Key Words: Anti CCP, RA, Early Synovitis.

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Dr D.Ayisha M.D

Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology,

Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur Tamilnadu