Clinical utility of autoantibodies and biologic markers in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To review the current and emerging auto-antibodies and biologic markers in rheumatoid arthritis. Data source: Published original research work and reviews were searched in English related to pathophysiology, diagnosis and auto antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. Study design: Only articles that emphasis on auto antibodies. Data extraction: Online and library searches done. Data synthesis: Data added and summarized. Conclusion: There is an emerging role of biomarkers as efficient diagnostic and prognostic markers of immunopathogenicity of rheumatoid arthritis. Early identification of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and, in particular, of those likely to assume a more rapidly destructive form of disease is important because of the possible benefit from early, aggressive intervention with disease-modifying agents. Increasing our understanding of molecular triggers and targets driving pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis is crucial. This will lead to development of a signature biomarker that can predict persons at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, RA patients at predisposed to joint damage and predicting therapy response. This will offer rheumatoid arthritis patients with a more personalized tailor medicine to improve diagnosis, treatment and disease outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.