{"id":6836,"date":"2018-03-21T11:05:52","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T15:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/?p=6836"},"modified":"2018-08-09T14:02:00","modified_gmt":"2018-08-09T18:02:00","slug":"seropositive-seronegative-rheumatoid-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/fr\/seropositive-seronegative-rheumatoid-arthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Seropositive vs. Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes chronic inflammation. Like other types of arthritis, it affects the joints. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, it can also affect the organs and tissues, such as the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and eyes.\u00a0<\/span>Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder. <\/span><\/p>\n

It occurs when the immune system incorrectly identifies the body\u2019s own tissues as a threat and attacks them. <\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike osteoarthritis<\/a>, rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by everyday wear and tear on the joints<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The disease typically affects the lining of the joints. Over time, swelling and inflammation can erode the bones and cause deformation. <\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis damages other parts of the body as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though medication and treatment options are available, rheumatoid arthritis can cause physical disabilities in severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seropositive and Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Seropositive<\/p>\n

Not so long ago, different types of rheumatoid arthritis were not recognized. When rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed, it was always treated in the same way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As research progressed, some experts began to see rheumatoid arthritis as a group of diseases. <\/span><\/p>\n

Within this group, genetic differences between individuals affect the features, symptoms, and triggers of the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These differences may be able to help doctors improve treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, and in some cases, even prevent the disease altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

The difference that researchers currently know the most about is between seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/b><\/h3>\n

When testing for seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, a blood test shows the presence of <\/span>rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs)<\/span><\/a>. These antibodies are produced in the body and are present in between 60 and 80 percent of people diagnosed with RA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research has shown that these antibodies are often present between 5 and 10 years prior to the appearance of symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n

For people who have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and who also test positive for RF or ACPA, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is highly likely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Some people with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis do not test positive for RF or ACPA. This is known as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research suggests that approximately\u00a0<\/span>38 percent<\/span><\/a> of people with rheumatoid arthritis are seronegative.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is more difficult to diagnose since there is no test for it. Instead, doctors must rely on <\/span>symptoms<\/span><\/a> to diagnose the disease.\u00a0<\/span>Your doctor might look for key symptoms, including:<\/span><\/p>\n