Original Article JRPMS, Vol 7, No 1, March 2023, p.1-7
A Comparative Study of Patients with Seropositive and Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chetan Saner, Archana Sonawale, Alhad Mulkalwar, Kshitij Sonawale, Ravi Keswani
Keywords: EULAR classification, Polyarthritis, Remission, Rheumatoid factor
Abstract
A Comparative Study of Patients with Seropositive and Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chetan Saner, Archana Sonawale, Alhad Mulkalwar, Kshitij Sonawale, Ravi Keswani
Keywords: EULAR classification, Polyarthritis, Remission, Rheumatoid factor
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the clinical profile, disease activity, extent of disabilities and response to treatment in patients with seropositive and seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 46 patients of RA at the General medicine and Rheumatology OPDs of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 18 months. The clinical profile, disease activity, extent of disabilities and response to treatment of patients with seropositive and seronegative RA was analysed and compared. Results: The number of joints involved as well as the outcome indicators (DAS 28 score, HAQ score, SDAI and CDAI) were significantly higher for the seronegative group of patients, indicating more inflammation, higher disease activity and slower response to treatment in the group. Rate of radiological progression of the disease was also higher in seronegative RA. Conclusion: Contrary to what was previously believed, patients with seronegative RA have a relatively later disease onset and more active disease at presentation. Physicians should be aware of the considerable clinical burden of seronegative RA, especially at the time of disease onset. However, given the small sample size of this study, these results require validation from larger cohorts.
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