Diagnostic value and clinical significance of anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

• Published in: Egyptian rheumatologist 2020-01, Vol.42 (1), p.1-4
• Main Authors: Mohamed, Samar R., Neseem, Nanis O., Metwally, Shereen S., El-Kady, Basma A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-carbamylated protein (Anti-CarP) antibodies; DAS28; Egyptian; HAQ; Modified Larsen score; Rheumatoid arthritis
• ISSN: 1110-1164; 2090-2433
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2019.04.004

The study was performed to assess the diagnostic potential of anti-carbamylated proteins (anti-CarP) antibodies in Egyptian patients with RA and their relation to clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and radiological damage. The study involved 90 RA patients and 90 matched healthy controls. Disease activity score (DAS28) and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were assessed. Plain x-ray hands and feet were performed and assessed by modified Larsen’s score. Laboratory investigations including acute phase reactants, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and anti-CarP antibodies were estimated. The patients mean age was 42.6 ± 10.4 years (20–60 years), disease duration was 4.3 ± 3.3 years and were 82 females (91.1%) and 8 males (8.9%). The mean DAS28 was 4.9 ± 1.2, HAQ was 1.6 ± 0.7 and Larsen score 33.8 ± 12.2. 29/90 (32.2%) patients were positive for anti-CarP antibodies and were significantly associated with extra-articular manifestations and deformity (p