Anti CCP antibody

[lulul]

Hi all..just found out I do not have the RF biomarker but high anti CCP antibody levels. Anyone know anything about this?? From what I have read it is a more precise predictor of prognosis but does that mean I will deterioate faster?

[Dlak]

Hi - To the best of (my non-medical) knowledge you can be RF negative & anti-CCP positive, this means early stage RA where the RF might become positive after some time. Anti-CCP is the more precise indicator as its only found in people with RA. It doesn't necessarily mean a worse outcome though. Being positive on both might be a worse situation.

[heatherp]

Hi there - I'm also RF negative and anti-CCP positive. My rheumatologist said (as above) the anti-CCP is the more specific marker as only about 2/3 of people with RA have RF, and in fact RF can be found in people without RA! However anti-CCP is very specific to RA, and I don't think has been found in anything else.

Re having a worse outcome, I have heard that if you are anti-CCP pos you may deteriorate quicker, but these days it is all about getting treatment early on. I was diagnosed in October last year and put straight on MTX which worked really well very quickly. Overall due to such early treatment my RA has been kept pretty well under control (main issues I have are from side effects - not on MTX anymore, but am on leflunomide!). So I dont think your high result is necessarily going to mean a worse outcome - all down to the meds you get...

[Hidden]

Hi I am also Sero Negative RA, have no rheumatiod factor in bloods, but do have high anti CCP, I also have very high ESR and CRP which are the markers for inflamation.

My GP told me there is no real difference with people who are sero neg or people who are RF pos. He said you can still have very agresive RA even if you are sero negative.

I have been told the anti CCP test is the most accurate test they do.

Heather glad your RA seems to be under control x