Rheumatoid Factor
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is rheumatoid factor?
Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is measurable in the blood. Rheumatoid
factor is actually an antibody that can bind to other antibodies.
Antibodies are normal proteins in our blood that are
important parts of our immune system. Rheumatoid factor is
an antibody that is not usually present in the normal
individual.
For what is the rheumatoid factor test used?
Rheumatoid factor is commonly used as a blood test for the diagnosis of
rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in about 80%
of adults (but a much lower proportion of children) with
rheumatoid arthritis.
Can rheumatoid factor be present in a patient without
rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes. Rheumatoid factor is also present in patients with other conditions,
including other connective tissue diseases (such as systemic
lupus erythematosus), some infectious diseases (such as
infectious hepatitis, syphilis, infectious mononucleosis,
parasites, and tuberculosis), liver disease, and
sarcoidosis. Rheumatoid factor can also sometimes be present in
normal individuals without diseases. This occurs more
frequently in people with family members who have
rheumatoid arthritis.
What significance does the rheumatoid factor hold for patients with rheumatoid
arthritis?
High levels of rheumatoid factor are associated with more severe rheumatoid
disease. This factor is also associated with a higher tendency to
develop non-joint manifestations of rheumatoid disease,
such as rheumatoid nodules and rheumatoid lung disease.
Last Editorial Review: 5/2/2008
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