Bay Biosciences provides high quality, clinical grade, samples, cryogenically preserved matched K2EDTA plasma, sera (serum) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) biofluid samples from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
The K2EDTA plasma, sera (serum) and PBMC biofluid specimens are processed from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient’s peripheral whole-blood using customized collection and processing protocols.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, and disabling autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and can affect other parts of the body.
The joint damage that rheumatoid arthritis causes usually happens on both sides of the body. So, if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too.
RA usually affects the hands and feet first, but it can occur in any joint. It usually involves the same joints on both sides of the body.
Common symptoms include stiff joints, especially when getting up after sleeping or after sitting down for a while. Some people experience fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network estimates that RA affects up to 1% of the world’s population and over 1.3 million Americans.
RA is an autoimmune disease, which means that a person’s immune system mistakes the body’s healthy tissues for foreign invaders. It is also a systemic disease that can affect the whole body.
As the immune system responds, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or organ. This can include the joints, lungs, eyes, and heart in RA.
Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tends to be more common in women than men. The risk of non-juvenile RA is highest in older adults between 65–80 years of age.
According to a recent study, non-Hispanic African Americans and people in low-income households have a significantly higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers explain that due to healthcare inequities, these groups may have less access to quality healthcare and may have a higher exposure to risk factors, such as stress.
Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Generally, doctors typically divide rheumatoid arthritis (RA) into two distinct types:
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Seropositive
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Seronegative
Patients suffering from seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will have high levels of antibodies in their blood known as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP). High levels of these antibodies can occur for up to 10 years before symptoms begin.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, majority of the patients, about 60–80% diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are seropositive type. In addition, they may have another antibody in their blood called the rheumatoid factor (RF). However, this does not necessarily mean a person has RA, as the RF can also indicate other conditions.
In contrast, people with seronegative RA will not have these antibodies in their blood, making diagnosing more difficult.
There is a third type of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors call it juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which usually develops before age 16.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease and is the result of your body’s immune system attacking healthy body tissues. However, the specific causes or triggers of RA are unknown.
Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their immune system sends antibodies to the lining of the joints as part of the disease process. These antibodies attack the tissues lining of the joints, causing the lining cells (synovial cells) to divide and contribute to inflammation. During this process, chemicals are released that can damage nearby bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
If rheumatoid arthritis is not treated, the joint will become damaged and lose its shape and alignment, eventually becoming destroyed.
The inflammation can invade and destroy cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions the ends of the bones. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together can also weaken and stretch. The joint can eventually lose its shape and configuration, and the damage can be severe.
Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease marked by symptoms of inflammation and pain in the joints. These symptoms and signs increase during periods known as flares or exacerbations. Other times are known as periods of remission, this is when symptoms can disappear completely.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly affect joints in the hands, wrists, and knees, but can also affect tissues and organs throughout the body including the lungs, heart, and eyes.
Symptoms can include the following:
- Aching and pain in more than one joint
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint deformity
- Loss of appetite
- Symmetrical joint involvement
- Stiffness in more than one joint
- Tenderness and swelling in more than one joint
- The same joint symptoms on both sides of the body
- Loss of joint function and mobility
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Weight Loss
- Weakness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most patients often experience the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in their 60s. Symptoms may start slowly and often worsen gradually with time.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually experience periods when their symptoms get worse, known as flares. RA symptoms may flare up due to stress, overactivity, or stopping medications.
Sometimes, a patient with rheumatoid arthritis can go into remission if their symptoms go away or are mild. Majority of the patients continue to experience flares and remissions throughout their lives.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Pain and stiffness tend to worsen after sleep or periods of inactivity.
Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to other complications throughout the body and cause joint damage that may lead to disability. Treatment can help manage the severity of symptoms and may reduce the likelihood of experiencing complications.
Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
According to the CDC patients with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may include the following:
- Diet, individuals who consume high sodium, sugar (especially fructose), red meat, and iron have an increased risk of developing RA.
- 60 years or older
- Female
- Patients with specific genetic traits
- Women who have never given birth
- Patients who have obesity
- People who smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
It is difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages since it can resemble signs and symptoms of other diseases.
The CDC recommends getting a diagnosis within 6 months of the onset of symptoms so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Your doctor will use several diagnostic tests to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
A doctor will start with investigating about the patient’s disease symptoms and medical history. They’ll also perform a physical exam of the patient’s joints. This will include the following:
- Examine joint function and range of motion
- Check for swelling and redness
- Inspect the affected joints to check for warmth and tenderness
- Examine the skin for nodules
- Test the patient’s reflexes and muscle strength
If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected by the doctor, they will most likely refer the patient to a specialist called a rheumatologist.
Since no single test can confirm a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor or rheumatologist may use several different types of tests.
Your healthcare provider may test your blood for certain substances like antibodies or check the level of certain substances like acute phase reactants that are elevated during inflammatory conditions. These can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis and help support the diagnosis.
Blood Tests to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Following blood tests can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rule out other conditions.
These include the following:
- Rheumatoid Factor Test: Anticitrullinated Peptide Antibody Test (anti-CCP): This test looks for an antibody that’s associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients who have this antibody usually have the disease. However, not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis tests positive for this antibody. The anti-CCP test is more specific for RA than the RF blood test, and often is positive before the RF tes: The RF blood test checks for a protein called rheumatoid factor. High levels of rheumatoid factor are associated with autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Antinuclear Antibody-(ANA) Test: The antinuclear antibody panel (ANA) tests your immune system to see if it’s producing antibodies to the nucleus of cells. Your body often makes ANA antibodies as a response to many different types of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test: The ESR test helps determine the degree of inflammation in your body. The result tells your doctor whether inflammation is present. However, it doesn’t indicate the cause or site of the inflammation.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP) Test: A severe infection or significant inflammation anywhere in your body can trigger your liver to make C-reactive protein. High levels of this inflammatory marker are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
A doctor may also request certain imaging tests, such as MRI or and ultrasound. These tests not only show if joint damage has occurred but also how severe the damage is.
An X-ray or MRI of a joint can help your healthcare provider identify what type of arthritis the patient has and monitor the progress of the patient’s RA over time.
A complete evaluation and monitoring of other organ systems might be recommended for some patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but there are effective treatments that can help manage the disease and prevent further damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can require both patients and doctors to adjust as they figure out the best ways to treat the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.
Recent advances in the RA treatment strategies have resulted in ever-improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treat to Target is a treatment philosophy that rheumatologists use to effectively manage this disease.
The treat-to-target approach has resulted in fewer symptoms and higher remission rates for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The treatment strategy involves the following:
- Setting a specific testing goal that signals either remission or low disease state
- Testing acute phase reactants and performing monthly monitoring to assess progress of treatment and management plan
- Switching medication regimen promptly if progress isn’t made
Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis help manage the pain and control the inflammatory response. In many cases, this can result in remission. Decreasing the inflammation can also help to prevent further joint and organ damage.
Treatments may include the following:
- Alternative or home remedies
- Dietary changes
- Medications
- Specific types of exercise
A healthcare provider will work closely with the patient to determine the best treatment plan for their medical needs.
For most patients, these treatments help them live an active life and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
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