A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis brings a lot of questions with it. You will want to know what to expect in the future -- your prognosis for joint damage and disability. But really, who can say? Rheumatoid arthritis is more disabling for some patients compared to others.
Researchers have looked at what factors may be associated with early joint damage. According to study results reported in the February 2009 issue of Journal of Autoimmunity, Columbian researchers assessed 157 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They found that the "early appearance of substantial radiographic (x-ray) joint damage" was strongly associated with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, an increased number of shared epitope (SE) alleles, and being positive for anti-CCP3. Family history and genetics -- both are tied to the risk for significant joint damage.
Related Resources:
- What Is Anti-CCP?
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
- Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis - How Soon Will Symptoms Worsen?
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