Positive rheumatoid factor polyarthritis

Positive Rheumatoid Factor Polyarthritis

Positive Rheumatoid Factor Polyarthritis is a type of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) characterized by the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in the blood. Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody that can be detected in the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, although it can also be present in other diseases and in some healthy individuals.

Pathophysiology

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. In positive rheumatoid factor polyarthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This leads to inflammation, which can cause joint damage and deformity over time. The presence of rheumatoid factor is associated with more severe disease and extra-articular manifestations.

Clinical Features

Patients with positive rheumatoid factor polyarthritis typically present with:

• Symmetrical joint pain and swelling, particularly in the small joints of the hands and feet.
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.
• Fatigue and malaise.
• Rheumatoid nodules, which are firm lumps under the skin.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of positive rheumatoid factor polyarthritis is based on clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic criteria include:

• Positive rheumatoid factor test.
• Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), indicating inflammation.
• Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI showing joint erosion or synovitis.

Treatment

The management of positive rheumatoid factor polyarthritis involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches:

• Pharmacological:

 * Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
 * Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate to slow disease progression.
 * Biologic agents targeting specific components of the immune system.

• Non-pharmacological:

 * Physical therapy to maintain joint function and mobility.
 * Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities.
 * Lifestyle modifications, including exercise and diet.

Prognosis

The prognosis of positive rheumatoid factor polyarthritis varies. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life. Patients with high levels of rheumatoid factor may have a more aggressive disease course and are at higher risk for extra-articular complications.

Also see

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid factor
• Synovitis

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases