Blood test for rheumatoid factor is normal. High rheumatoid factor in the blood how to treat


Determining the level of rheumatoid factor is one of the main laboratory tests in determining joint problems and acute inflammatory diseases. This parameter helps not only to make a diagnosis, but also to predict the further course of the disease.

Introduction to Rheumatoid Factor

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a group of antibodies that, like an antigen, react with the body's own cells - immunoglobulins G (IgG). This happens when the immunological activity of plasma cells located in the articular tissue is too high. The rheumatoid factor in the blood test consists of 90% antibodies of class M (IgM), 10% of immunoglobulins of classes A, D, G (IgA, IgD, IgG).

Self-antigens that are produced against the body's own cells are very dangerous. RF from the articular tissue penetrate into the bloodstream, where they form a complex with immunoglobulins. It circulates throughout the body and has a cytotoxic effect on tissues:

With an increase in RF, the patient experiences pain in the joints, and in the last stages - severe systemic lesions of the articular tissues. In 50-90% of patients, the presence of rheumatoid factor in the blood indicates arthritis of the same name. With a high RF titer, destructive processes occur inside the joints, so the prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. Also, an increase in rheumatoid factor in a blood test is possible with other dangerous diseases such as sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.

Blood test for rheumatoid factor

The main purpose of a blood test for rheumatoid factor- determination of the level of class M immunoglobulins (IgM), since they make up to 90% of the RF. Such antibodies can change their characteristics and, under the influence of infectious agents, begin to play the role of autoantigens. To determine the level of rheumatoid factor, the following types of tests are used:

  • Latex agglutination. This is a qualitative analysis that determines only the presence or absence of rheumatoid factor. This test does not determine its quantity. The essence of the analysis is the detection of agglutination of human immunoglobulins of class G (IgG) adsorbed on latex particles. This process is the adhesion and precipitation of antigen-bearing cells under the action of agglutins. The norm in this analysis is a negative result. Sometimes a rapid test gives a false positive answer, so it is not used to establish a definitive diagnosis.
  • Classic Waaler-Rose analysis. It is used much less often than others. This study is more specific. The essence of the analysis is the detection of passive agglutination of rheumatoid factor with sheep erythrocytes treated with rabbit serum.
  • Nephelometry. It can be used in combination with the latex test, but it is superior in accuracy. Nephelometry is already a quantitative analysis that measures the concentration of antigen-antibody complexes in IU / ml. An indicator of more than 20 IU / ml is considered elevated, although in 15% of the elderly and 2-3% healthy people higher values ​​are also observed. In severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), RF levels exceed 40 IU/mL.
  • Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Compared to the others, this method allows you to detect not only IgM, but also autoantibodies of classes A, D, G. This analysis is used more often to detect RF, since it has higher accuracy and reliability.

Deciphering the results

With a qualitative analysis, the absence of rheumatoid factor in the blood is considered the norm. In case of quantitative research doctors determine the values ​​that the RF should not exceed. The norm is considered if the level of rheumatoid factor is from 0 to 14 IU / ml. Some laboratories do not use IU (International Units) for measurement, but U (Action Units). So, in a healthy person, the RF should be in the range of 0-10 U / ml.

The rate of rheumatoid factor in the blood in women is slightly lower - 0-13 IU / ml (0-9 U / ml). There are some nuances regarding the RF level. In men, the norms of rheumatoid factor never vary. For women, some changes related to pregnancy, menstruation and ovulation are allowed. In addition, an increase in IgM titers can be observed with cervicitis, endometritis, adnexitis, and cervical erosion. After recovery, immunoglobulins M disappear. The results of a blood test for RF in adults depend on its level:

  • High RF values ​​(3-4 times higher than normal) indicate rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissue. The higher the level of rheumatic factor, the more severe the disease. A high IgM titer may indicate serious infectious processes and liver pathology.
  • Low RF values. They are also detected in healthy people, although some doctors believe that this is a prerequisite for the development rheumatoid arthritis.

In 80% of patients, the presence of RF in the blood indicates rheumatoid arthritis, but in a number of patients it is absent. It follows from this that there are 2 forms of this disease:

  • Seropositive. With this result, RF is detected in the patient's blood against the background of rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Seronegative. Means that the patient has symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but no rheumatic factor. This is observed in 20-25% of patients with RA. The absence of RF indicates that the pathological process is at the very beginning of development, but this should not be encouraging. For diagnosis, blood for rheumatoid factor is taken again six months later.

seronegative (negative) serological reaction) the result of a blood test for the RF can be associated not only with the fact that the autoimmune process is on early stage. There are other reasons for this result:

  • Errors in the blood test for rheumatic factor. For this reason, the RF test is carried out several times to confirm the results.
  • The disease is provoked not by class M immunoglobulins, but by antibodies IgA, IgD, IgG. The last three types are much more difficult to determine in the blood.
  • The analysis detects in the blood only those autoantibodies that are not associated with immunoglobulins.

Indicators in children

Adults are characterized by an increase in RF in rheumatoid arthritis, but in children a slightly different situation develops. In the juvenile form of this disease, which develops before the age of 16, the rheumatic factor is found in the blood only in 20% of cases. Basically, the increase is due to IgM titers, and at the debut of rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 5 years. If the disease begins to develop in the period from 5 to 10 years, then the rheumatic factor is found only in 10% of patients.

The rheumatoid factor is a group of autoimmune antibodies, newly formed and synthesized immunoglobulin proteins that attack their own body, being perceived by it, in turn, as foreign bodies. In other words, rheumatoid factor is a protein that is modified under the influence of infections, bacteria or viruses. Positive (norm) in women over 18 years of age ranges from 0 to 14 U / ml. Normal performance for teenage girls slightly lower than for adult women: from 0 to 12 U / ml.

The formation of rheumatoid factor occurs as a result of beta-hemolytic streptococcus entering the blood of a person, and usually its presence indicates that the body is suffering an autoimmune or inflammatory disease. But not every patient has an increased content of rheumatoid factor, only a fifth of those infected with beta-hemolytic streptococcus has its increased content.

Norm and excess

If a person is healthy, then the rheumatoid factor (the norm in women) is 10 U / ml. This is an indicator included in the normal amplitude from 0 to 14 U / ml. But even if the value of the rheumatic factor is increased, this does not guarantee the mandatory presence of the disease. Similar situation only the basis for a more detailed examination: ultrasound, radiography, tests for the presence of C-reactive protein in the blood.

Just like the absence of a rheumatic factor, its detection does not necessarily indicate the presence autoimmune disease, it may indicate viral illnesses, cancer, tuberculosis, and even the presence of immunoglobulins in the body of a woman who has recently undergone childbirth. In all these cases, the rheumatoid factor (the norm in women) is negative. Tests will indicate this, but this situation does not always mean that the body is healthy.

Causes of increased rheumatic factor

There are many different theories and assumptions for what reason an increase in rheumatoid factor is observed in the blood. One of them is the assumption of the genetic nature of the disease, when the rheumatoid factor (the norm in women is from 0 to 14 U / ml) is inherited and manifests itself when exposed to the body. various infections and viruses.

and Sjögren's disease

The most common phenomenon is that only with the passage of a course of long-term systemic therapy can rheumatoid factor be stabilized. The norm in women (treatment can help with this) will definitely recover to values ​​from 0 to 14 U / ml. Whatever diagnosis is made: rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome, the rheumatic factor will return to the normal range from correctly performed medical measures.

Diseases that are common to humans old age. In the first case, the patient is observed inflammation of the joints, dryness of the mucous membranes and skin, in the second case - dysfunction of the endocrine glands. Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by the appearance of nodular neoplasms and difficulty in the motor activity of the joints.

Testing for rheumatoid factor

On the eve of the analysis for the presence of rheumatoid factor, the patient is obliged to carry out a set of preparatory measures: at least 24 hours do not smoke, do not engage in physical labor, do not drink alcohol and fatty foods. And for eight to twelve hours, do not take any food, except for clean, non-carbonated food.

The appointment of an analysis for a rheumatic factor usually occurs if a woman who has recently given birth to a child complains of a sore throat for a long time. In such a case, she makes a fence venous blood, the analysis of which determines the indicators of the rheumatoid factor in the body. At the same time, if the value is from 25 to 50 IU / ml, then it is considered slightly increased, if 50-100 IU / ml - steadily increased, and more than 100 IU / ml - strongly increased. To confirm the diagnosis, three or more additional studies are usually carried out, which must confirm or refute the result of a blood test. Only in this case can rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome be diagnosed. It should be remembered that the treatment of these diseases is the work of a certified specialist. Self-medication or following the advice of illiterate people in this case will have a detrimental effect on the patient's health.

Decreased rheumatic factor

If the survey showed that the rheumatoid factor (the norm in women in IU / ml is from 0 to 14) is increased, steps should be taken not to reduce the rheumatoid factor, but to eliminate the reasons for its increase. That is, it is not the symptom that needs to be treated, but the disease that caused it. The patient is usually treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid hormones.

Treatment should last until the rheumatoid factor reaches normal. During therapy, the patient must also observe certain rules: do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, do not overcool, protect yourself from contact with sick people, get rid of physical exertion for a while, eat healthy food and consume poly vitamin complexes. These precautions will help to strengthen and improve the body.

From symptom to disease

Usually they appear long before the increase in rheumatic factor (about 6-8 weeks earlier), so the analysis carried out at the initial stage of the disease may not show an increased value.

Low levels of rheumatic factor are characteristic of such diseases as infectious mononucleosis, acute inflammatory processes, the consequences of multiple blood transfusions in a woman who has undergone multiple births.

Increased rheumatic factor is also observed in the disease of the red systemic lupus, dermatomyositis, cirrhosis of the liver, scleroderma, hepatitis and (in 60% of cases) when it occurs in a subacute form.

Rheumofactor in patients with rheumatism

It is noteworthy that most people with rheumatism have normal rheumatoid factor. An increased value of the indicator is most often observed with repeated diseases. It can also be increased in healthy people, which will indicate that a person is at risk. There are cases when an increased rheumatic factor was detected several years before the development of the disease.

Prevention

In order to prevent an increase in rheumatoid factor, it is recommended to conduct healthy lifestyle life, reduce salt intake to a minimum, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, do not drink alcohol and do not smoke. In order to avoid an increase in the rheumatoid factor, it is very important to treat diseases in a timely manner, if any, and, if possible, prevent their transition to chronic stage. Regular hypothermia and infectious diseases and are therefore recommended to be avoided.

Rheumatoid factor is a protein formation synthesized by the body itself, which are autoimmune antibodies. In other words, rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin protein produced by the immune system that attacks the body's own tissues, perceiving them as foreign.

A common reason for the synthesis of such proteins is the response to the entry of beta-hemolytic streptococcus into the blood. The algorithms of these processes, their nature and functions are not sufficiently covered in medical literature and in scientific forums, but the indicator of rheumatoid factor on this stage used as a bright marker of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

It is worth noting that increased result analysis for rheumatic factor is recorded only in a fifth of patients suffering after infection with beta-hemolytic streptococcus. However, it was not possible to fully elucidate the reasons for this pattern.

Analysis for rheumatoid factor. The norm in a healthy person is from 0 to 14 IU / ml.

But it is worth noting that increased value rheumatic factor gives only grounds for suspicion of autoimmune diseases and is a signal to start treatment.

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will additional research with the involvement of other methods, among which are ultrasound of the area in which the lesion is supposed, radiography, as well as an analysis for C-reactive blood protein.

A positive test result for rheumatoid factor can indicate not only diseases associated with autoimmune processes, but can also indicate a number of diseases, including tuberculosis, cancer, viral infections and many others, including the presence of immunoglobulins in women after childbirth.

In any case of increased RF, treatment is prescribed. The difficulty of such a study lies in the fact that even when observing characteristic symptoms test for rheumatoid factor may be negative. In this case, it is necessary to conduct a blood test and decipher the results one more time. False positive result in the absence of symptoms of autoimmune diseases is also possible. The likelihood of such an outcome steadily increases with age.

Research on rheumatoid factor, as a rule, determines two diseases: rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome. The first is characterized by inflammation of the joints, the second with disorders in the tissues of the endocrine glands. With both diseases, the patient develops pain, burning, swelling. Directly with rheumatoid arthritis, nodules appear under the skin, the occurrence of difficulties in moving the joints. With Sjögren's syndrome, the patient has dry skin and mucous membranes. There is also a special form of rheumatoid arthritis, common among children - Still's syndrome.

A blood test for rheumatoid factor requires preparation on the part of the patient, at least one day before visiting the hospital, it is necessary to stop smoking, severe physical activity, fatty foods, alcohol. 8-12 hours before the analysis, you can not eat food. You can only drink pure water.

It is worth noting that for women who have recently had a pregnancy, a similar blood test for rheumatoid factor is prescribed for prolonged impassable sore throat. Venous blood is used to determine rheumatoid factor.

When receiving a blood test result for rheumatoid factor, pay attention to the following numbers:

  • A little increased content- 25-50 IU / ml;
  • high content - 50-100 IU / ml;
  • strongly elevated content - over 100 IU / ml.

It is worth noting once again that to panic, to be treated according to folk recipes, ask for advice on medical forums when high rate rheumatic factor is not worth it. To make an accurate diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome, the doctor needs to conduct at least three more different studies that will give the appropriate result, and only then prescribe treatment.

A blood test for rheumatoid factor alone is not specific and may only indicate a suspicion of some autoimmune disease. Among such diseases in the diagnosis may be systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis and others.

What to do if a disappointing diagnosis is still made?

The next task will not be to reduce the rheumatoid factor, but to eliminate the reason why its level is exceeded, that is, it is necessary to fight the disease itself. Most effective method- This drug treatment. When making such a diagnosis, doctors prescribe drugs such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, steroid hormones.

However, it should be noted that even correct mode taking the necessary medicines will not be able to cure you completely, but improve general state and it is quite possible to significantly shift the transfer of the disease to the area of ​​recovery. But even with the removal of symptoms and improvement in well-being, the analysis for the RF can be increased, while the treatment should not be stopped. Increased attention to local improvement of the condition should be paid to women in postpartum period and children.

What do we have to do? The best choice is to continue treatment and reduce the possible sources of the disease. Women in the near future should abandon plans to become pregnant, as the development of the fetus can provoke a new round of the disease. A complete rejection of bad habits, which means that a negative result for health will be given by: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption.

It should also be excluded possible risks third-party diseases that can load the immune system: hypothermia, contact with sick people. Additionally, vitamin complexes can help, proper nutrition and moderate exercise.

Autoimmune diseases are incurable and rapidly progressive diseases that affect millions of people every year. Usually inherited, but in some cases they are acquired. The immune system protects the body from pathogenic factors external environment- viruses, bacteria and fungi. Sometimes it falters and begins to destroy healthy cells, which often ends in death.

Human immune system

A polypeptide compound that has changed its characteristics under the influence of pathogens and has become perceived by the immune system as a foreign body is commonly called rheumatoid factor. Autoantibodies are produced by special cells called plasma cells. synovium. From diarthrosis, they are transported to the bloodstream, where they are combined into immune complexes. These complexes damage the walls of blood vessels and various tissues of the body. To put it simply, the body produces antibodies to its own healthy cells, the immune system recognizes them and kills them.

Attention! In pregnant women during breastfeeding, the rheumatic factor is reduced by 40%.

A blood test for rheumatoid factor reveals autoimmune disorders. The rheumatic factor (RF) is represented by class M immunoglobulins. At the onset of the disease, autoantibodies are produced in patients with diarthrosis, then lymph nodes, brain, spleen. The most typical occurrence of rheumatic factor for autoimmune inflammation of the joint (rheumatoid arthritis).

The norm in women and men: deciphering a blood test for rheumatic factor

In healthy people, the rheumatic factor is normally absent. According to accepted standards, indicators from 0 to 15 IU / ml are considered the norm. Some laboratories use other units of measurement - U / ml. In this case, up to 11 U / ml is considered the norm.

In children, the RF norm is less than 11 U / ml. Deviation in either direction indicates the beginning pathological processes in organism. Each laboratory where research is carried out has its own standards for the analysis of rheumatoid factor in the blood.

The increase in the level of RF in the blood has several successive steps:

  1. Slightly increased - from 24 to 49 IU / ml.
  2. Sufficiently elevated - from 49 to 99 IU / ml.
  3. Significantly increased - more than 99 IU / ml.

Indications for testing for rheumatoid factor in the blood

There are a number of mandatory indications for a biochemical blood test for RF:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Sjögren's syndrome.
  • Sarkidosis of the respiratory tract.
  • Infiltrative tuberculosis.
  • Syphilis.
  • Cirrhosis of the liver.

Depending on your medical history and history, your doctor may order this test to differential diagnosis with other diseases.


Rheumatoid factor

Often, tests give a false positive result, which can lead to overdiagnosis and the appointment of "heavy" drugs. False results are due to allergic reaction, increased c-reactive protein in the blood and antibody mutations. Such cases are extremely rare, so it is necessary to pass repeated analyzes to confirm the diagnosis. If you are not sure about the results of the tests, consult your doctor.

What to do if the rheumatoid factor in the blood test is elevated?

Rheumofactor is not the only diagnostic tool to detect autoimmune diseases. The doctor prescribes additional examinations to clarify the cause of high rheumatoid factor in the blood:

  • Synovial fluid analysis.
  • General clinical examination of urine.
  • Analysis of liver enzymes, etc.

Important! A recent study by a group of scientists from the University of Oxford found that elevated level RF occurs in healthy individuals and does not progress over time. It is not yet completely clear how the indicator affects the development of autoimmune diseases, but research continues.

In what diseases does the rheumatic factor increase?

A common autoimmune disease - rheumatoid arthritis - can disrupt the activity of various organs and give a positive result in biochemical analysis blood.

A high level of RF may indicate inflammatory processes in the body and a relapse of the underlying disease. RF is often not detected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at initial stages illness. Some asymptomatic forms of this disorder, if misdiagnosed and left untreated, lead to the death of the patient.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be caused by infectious pathogens - hepatoviruses, paramyxoviruses and retroviruses. In some cases, banal hypothermia, stress, hyperinsolation can cause the development of the disease. RA is distributed throughout the world and in all ethnic groups. Approximately 25 people per 100 00 develop rheumatoid arthritis every year. In 2011, 60,000 people died from RA-related causes. Average age the incidence for men is slightly higher than for women. However, the female sex is more susceptible to the disorder than the male.


Rheumatoid arthritis

Other disorders that increase the rheumatic factor in the blood:

  • Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that destroys secretory glands and diarthrosis.
  • Rheumatic myocarditis.
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: in children under 6 years of age, it is positive in 30% of cases.
  • Tuberculosis.
  • Borreliosis.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Gout.
  • Scleroderma.
  • Polymyositis.
  • Endocarditis.

How is a biochemical study carried out, and how to prepare for the analysis?

First, the specialist will take a venous blood sample. The taken sample will be passed through a special device (centrifuge), which will separate the material into its component parts for analysis.

The analysis lies in the fact that in the presence of rheumatoid factor, antibodies from the solution react with it. This test is called the latex test. However, there are more quick methods diagnostics, for example: carbo-globulin test. Often, several samples are prescribed for accurate differential diagnosis.

Before taking a blood test, you must follow a number of recommendations:

  • Do not eat for twelve hours before the procedure.
  • Refuse psychotropic substances: alcohol, nicotine or caffeine.
  • Avoid taking medications.
  • Do not drink liquid 2 hours before the procedure.

Important! The above factors can distort the results of analyzes and lead to false positive result. Depending on what the analysis for the RF shows, the subsequent diagnosis and therapy of the patient depends.

More:

Treatment of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis with various methods

If the patient went to the doctor with complaints that her joints were “twisting”, then she would have to donate blood for rheumatoid factor. Its norm in women, under what diseases it is exceeded and whether it can be corrected - this is what our conversation will go on. Knowing how many P-antibodies should be determined in a blood sample, you can get rid of unnecessary fears.

Rheumatologist Dictionary: getting to know the term

Rheumofactor (RF) is a marker of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. As for its chemical affiliation, it is class G immunoglobulin. Such a substance is produced by the body itself. This happens if "malignant" bacteria - beta-hemolytic streptococcus - have penetrated into it. From the joints, antibodies enter the bloodstream.

The essence of the analysis for the RF is that autoantibodies belonging to class G are detected in the patient's venous blood. For this, three tests are performed: latex test, carbo test, carboglobulin test. Usually, such a specific test is sent if there are signs that indicate rheumatoid arthritis. A woman who has recently had a pregnancy is prescribed an analysis to determine the RF if she is worried about a long, stubbornly unwilling to go through a sore throat.

Should there be RF in the blood and in what quantity?

Before talking about how much is the norm of the rheumatoid factor in the blood of women, it should be noted that it should not be there at all. That is, if the immune system works as it should, then there will be a dash in the “RF” column of the blood test. The presence of this antigen indicates that there has been a malfunction immune system. But in small amounts, RF can still be present in the blood serum, and this will not be regarded as a manifestation of the disease.

So, the norm of the rheumatoid factor in the blood test for the fairer sex is as follows:

  • for girls adolescence- up to 12.5 U / ml and less (RF is usually not found in children);
  • for women under 50 - from 12.5 to 14 U / ml;
  • for ladies of mature age (from 50 years and older) - no more than 10 U / ml.

If we talk about quantities, then the content of the RF should be no more than 1 to 20, that is, if a portion of the patient's blood is diluted with saline in a twenty-fold dilution, then it will no longer be possible to detect it.

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If the norm of the rheumatoid factor in women is violated by only a few units, then this should not cause alarm. Doctors believe that only a situation when the norm is exceeded from 2 to 4 times or more indicates health deviations. To make it more clear whether there is a reason for unrest or not, pay attention to the following information:

  • RF increased slightly - from 25 to 50 IU / ml;
  • serious deviation - from 50 to 100 IU / ml;
  • a significant excess - more than 100 IU / ml.

The rheumatic factor is increased. What diseases does this happen with?


Sometimes the RF bounces temporarily and then returns to normal on its own. This happens in recent women in labor and in those women who have undergone surgery. This figure is also increasing naturally in persons whose age has exceeded 60-70 years. Some medications (contraceptives, anticonvulsants, methyldopa) can cause a deviation from the accepted norm.

But this is not always the case. If the rheumatoid factor is significantly increased, then the causes can be much more dangerous:

  • rheumatoid arthritis. This is an incurable disease. At the same time, an analysis for the RF will help to detect such an ailment only at the beginning of development. If the disease has progressed, then the result may be negative. Therefore, such laboratory diagnostics is not a reliable basis for diagnosing this disease;
  • Felty's syndrome is a rarer form of rheumatoid arthritis. The disease invariably begins acutely, accompanied by leukopenia and a sharp increase in RV;
  • Sjögren's syndrome. A disease in which the target is connective tissue and glands of external secretion. Its "identification marks" are dry mucous membranes, damage to the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and kidneys;
  • flu;
  • acute hepatitis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • syphilis;
  • mononucleosis;
  • bacterial endocarditis;
  • leprosy;
  • inflammation in the lungs, liver, kidneys;
  • scleroderma.

In addition, with cirrhosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumosclerosis, chronic hepatitis in the active stage, there is also a jump in the rheumatic factor. Oncological diseases, regardless of the degree of damage to the body, also affect the indicator in question. It will definitely increase.

Note that RF is not detected in rheumatism.

What to do with an increased P-factor?

What should be your further actions if the rheumatic factors are too high? To make a definitive diagnosis, the patient must undergo at least three studies. A blood test for the P-factor can only make the doctor think about the presence of an autoimmune disease and become an occasion for a more detailed examination. A negative analysis (in the presence of characteristic symptoms) cannot be regarded as the absence of arthritis, because in some of its forms such antibodies are not formed at all.

If an increase in RF is detected in healthy woman, then you should try to exclude or minimize the possibility of developing arthritis. To do this, you must give up bad habits, do not overcool, remove foci of infection (sinusitis, teeth with caries).

By itself, high RF does not require treatment. It is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused such consequences, that is, to fight the disease. For most of these ailments, the patient will have to take antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even steroid hormones.

Rheumatoid arthritis, unfortunately, cannot be completely cured, but annual therapy and health resorts will help achieve a stable remission.