New Study Could Change the Course of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study published in [i]Arthritis and Rheumatism[/i] suggests that signs of rheumatoid arthritis may present in the blood years before symptoms arise. Inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which are known to be present in synovial tissue after rheumatoid arthritis develops, appear to reach elevated levels in the tissue years before the condition manifests.

While there is no cure for RA, knowing it is coming would be of enormous benefit, allowing sufferers to prepare in advance so that when the RA sets in they can lead more active lifestyles.

Diagnosis has long been a problem even when RA has manifested and begun to cause debilitating pain. The symptoms are often confused with other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, lupus and osteoarthritis.

The study, conducted in Sweden, consisted of 86 people whose blood was analyzed years prior to their development of RA. Their results were compared to those of 256 people who never developed the disorder.

Scientists must do further studies to confirm these encouraging results. Ultimately, they hope to develop blood tests that will screen for RA. With treatment beginning before the arthritis actually sets in, patients will be able to minimize or even eliminate the severe damage to joints that often leaves patients disabled.