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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Serum Samples

by | Nov 2, 2022 | News Releases | 0 comments

Bay Biosciences provides high quality, clinical grade, matched sera (serum), K3-EDTA plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) biofluid samples from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients.

The K3-EDTA plasma, sera (serum) and PBMC biofluid specimens are processed from unique rheumatoid arthritis 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.

Since rheumatoid arthritis (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.

The joint damage that RA 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. This is one way that doctors distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

Rheumatoid Arthritis (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. Treatments work best when RA is diagnosed early, so it’s important to learn the signs and symptoms.


Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Generally rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified in the following main types:

  • Seronegative
  • Seropositive
  • Juvenile RA, affects children


Patients suffering with seropositive RA will have high levels of antibodies in their blood called 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, about 60–80% of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will fall into the category of seropositivity. 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 rheumatoid factor test 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 (JIA). These days, doctors call it juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which usually develops before age 16. JIA symptoms may appear in children or even infants.

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually occur in the wrists, hands, or feet and include the following:

  • A general feeling of being unwell
  • Joint deformity
  • Loss of function and mobility
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain or achiness in more than one joint
  • Stiffness in more than one joint that lasts longer than 30 minutes
  • Swelling in more than one joint
  • Symmetrical joint involvement 
  • Tenderness in more than one joint
  • The same joint symptoms on both sides of the body
  • Unsteadiness when walking
  • Weight Loss
  • Weakness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people most 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 (RA) can go into remission if their symptoms go away or are mild. Most patients continue to experience flares and remissions throughout their lives.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Pain and stiffness tend to worsen after sleep or periods of inactivity.

Severe 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.


Early-Stage Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

While rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect anyone, it most commonly presents between the ages of 30 and 50 and more often in women. The early-stage symptoms of RA don’t always include swelling and redness in the joints, but there can be subtle signs that something is up. Some of the early-stage symptoms include:

  • A noticeable increase in fatigue (it takes energy for the body to deal with inflammation)
  • Generally feeling unwell
  • Tenderness and pain in certain areas of your body
  • Weakness in certain areas of your body that weren’t there before


Later Stage Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Once rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation has been active in your body for a period of weeks or months, you’ll begin to notice more obvious signs that something is up.

Swelling, Redness, and Warmth in Joints

Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the lining of the joints, and when this inflammation flares up, the joints may become red, and feel warm to the touch. They might also swell.

Fatigue

Because it takes energy for your body to fight inflammation, you may notice a marked increase in fatigue and tiredness while doing the same activities you’ve always done.

If this fatigue lasts more than a few weeks, even if you don’t notice any other symptoms, you could be dealing with an RA flare.

Fatigue is sometimes accompanied by an overwhelming “I don’t feel good but don’t know why” sensation or even depression.

Morning Stiffness

Morning stiffness is one of the main symptoms of many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

If certain joints feel stiff when you first wake up and that stiffness lasts longer than 30 minutes, you could be dealing with an RA flare.

It’s common for joints to feel more mobile after prolonged activity.

General Joint Pain and Stiffness

In addition to morning joint stiffness, you may also experience general joint stiffness throughout the day, especially after a period of inactivity.

Some of the first areas RA stiffness typically affects are the wrists and certain joints in the hands and feet, but it’s also possible to experience pain and stiffness in your knees or shoulders. Usually, both sides of your body will be affected.

Fever

When accompanied by other symptoms like joint pain and inflammation, a low-grade fever may be an early warning sign that you’re having an RA flare.

Numbness and Tingling

Tingling

Inflammation of tendons can create pressure on your nerves. This may cause numbness, tingling, or a burning feeling in your hands referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Decrease in Range of Motion

Inflammation in your joints can cause tendons and ligaments to become unstable or deformed. If the disease progresses without treatment, you may find yourself unable to bend or straighten some joints.

Although your range of motion may also be affected by pain, engaging in regular, gentle exercise can help ease the ache and even allow for a bit more movement.


Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which develops as the result of your body’s immune system attacking healthy body tissues. However, the specific causes or triggers of RA are unknown.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your immune system sends antibodies to the lining of your joints as part of the disease process. These antibodies attack the tissues lining your 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, tendons and ligaments.

If rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not treated, the joint will become damaged and lose its shape and alignment, eventually becoming destroyed.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the synovium, the membrane lining of joints. When this happens, the synovial cells proliferate, which leads to synovial thickening. Pain and inflammation result.

Eventually, if left untreated, 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.


Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

According to the CDC, people with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may include the following:

  • Age: The onset of RA is highest among adults in their 50s. Risk continues to increase with age for individuals assigned male at birth. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often occurs in people assigned female at birth during their child-bearing years. 
  • Diet: High consumption of sodium, sugar (especially fructose), red meat, and iron is associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Early life exposure: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children whose mothers smoked have double the risk of developing RA as adults.
  • Genetics: Individuals born with certain genes, called HLA class II genotypes, are more likely to develop RA. The risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be highest when people with these genes have obesity or are exposed to environmental factors like smoking. 
  • History of live births. People with ovaries who have never given birth may be at a greater risk of developing RA than those who have given birth.
  • Obesity. Having obesity can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Sex: Individuals assigned female at birth are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than individuals assigned male at birth.
  • Smoking: Studies show that individuals 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 (RA), especially in its early stages, as it can resemble other diseases. Diagnosis of RA can take time and may require multiple lab tests to confirm clinical examination findings.

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 tools and diagnostic tests to diagnose RA. First, they’ll ask about your symptoms and medical history. 

A doctor will look at the patient’s clinical signs of inflammation and ask how long the person has experienced them and how severe their symptoms are. They will also perform a physical examination to check for swelling, functional limitations, or other unusual presentations.

They’ll also perform a physical exam of your joints, which will include the following:

  • Examine joint function and range of motion
  • Look for swelling and redness
  • Touch the affected joints to check for warmth and tenderness
  • Exame for skin nodules
  • Testing the patients reflexes and muscle strength

If they suspect RA, they’ll most likely refer you to a specialist called a rheumatologist.

Since no single test can confirm a diagnosis of RA, your doctor or rheumatologist may use several different types of tests, which may include the following:

Blood Tests

Several blood tests can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rule out other conditions. They include the following:


Imaging Scans and X-rays

An X-ray or MRI of a joint can help a doctor identify what type of arthritis is present and monitor the progress of a person’s RA over time.

Other Diagnostic Tests

A doctor will always assess a person’s physical symptoms and medical history during a diagnosis. They may record temperature, heart rate, or check for swollen glands.

In some cases, medical imaging will be necessary to assess any damage or confirm the diagnosis. While MRI is one option, X-rays can show bone spurs and whether the bones in joints have become too close.

Another possible test is a CT scan. These are useful for detecting bone lesions.

A doctor may also use an ultrasound scan to detect problems in the synovial membrane or tendons.

Diagnostic Criteria

Guidelines recommend the following criteria for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis RA:

  • Blood tests indicate the presence of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Duration of the symptoms
  • Inflammation indicators, or acute phase reactants
  • Number and location of affected joints

Conditions with Similar Symptoms

A doctor will need to distinguish RA from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as:


Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

There’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but there are effective treatments that can help the patient manage it and prevent damage. If a person has a diagnosis of RA, a doctor may refer them to a specialist known as a rheumatologist, who will advise on treatment options.

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.

Recently, advances in treatment strategies have resulted in ever-improving outcomes and quality of life for those 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 those with RA. The treatment strategy involves to:

  • Minimize any loss of function caused by pain, joint damage, or deformity
  • Prevent flares and reduce their severity if they occur
  • Reduce inflammation in the joints 
  • Relieve pain
  • Slow down or prevent damage to joints and organs 
  • Switch medication regimen promptly if progress isn’t made
  • Set a specific testing goal that signals either remission or low disease state
  • Test acute phase reactants and performing monthly monitoring to assess progress of treatment and management plan

Treatments for RA help to 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.

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This critical patient’s clinical data includes information relating to their past and current disease, treatment history, lifestyle choices, biomarkers, and genetic information.

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