About the diagnosis of RA

[Guest guest]

The early stages of rheumatoid arthritis may be difficult to diagnose

because early symptoms may be nonspecific - for example, fatigue and

joint pain. There are many, many reasons for fatigue and joint pain.

Nonspecific symptoms may be accompanied by more specific symptoms over time.

By definition, arthritis means joint inflammation.

If a given patient does not produce RF or anti-CCP antibodies, does

not have an elevated ESR or CRP, does not have morning stiffness of

significant duration (one hour or more), does not have any tender and

swollen joints typically affected by RA, does not have any changes

typical of RA visible on x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound, it is unlikely

that the patient has RA.

Many physicians are aware that early and aggressive treatment is

necessary for RA to lead to better outcomes, even remission, but

treating someone who doesn't have RA with DMARDs is not without risks.

Having the correct diagnosis is important and can take some time.

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheum_clin_\

pres.html

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/ra.asp?aud=pat

http://arthritis.about.com/od/radiagnosis/Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Diagnosis_Lab_Tes\

ts_Exams_PicturePhotos.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic48.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/TOPIC124.HTM

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Not an MD