Diagnostic value of antifilaggrine antibodies (antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide and anti-keratin antibodies) for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: The aim of the study is to verify the diagnostic value of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and anti-keratin antibodies (AKA), alone and in combination, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 100 patients with established RA and 100 controls to validate sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for RA of the Anti-CCP and AKA assays in our Unit. Results: Anti-CCP demonstrated high sensitivity (70%) and specificity (97%) for the diagnosis of RA and similar accuracy for the diagnosis of ERA. The sensitivity and the specificity of AKA were respectively 52% and 99%. Conclusion: We concluded that anti-CCP is a very valuable tool for the diagnosis of RA and ERA. © 2006 Pharma Project Group srl.