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Lab test predicts the course of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the systemic rheumatic diseases,
affecting 1-2 % of the Worlds population.

The test looks for an antibody to a cellular signal molecule,
interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1a).
Apart from predicting disease severity, the test seems useful
for selecting treatment intensity and duration
early in the disease process.
It is difficult to predict the outcome of rheumatic diseases. Much remains to be known about their causes and the factors controlling disease activity. Preliminary investigations suggest that patients, who early in the disease have high levels of this antibody have a markedly reduced risk of developing joint destruction.

You may be interested in this test, if you:

  • suffer from newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, or a related rheumatic disease
  • want to get information on your antibody status to help you cope with the disease
  • want to give information on your disease to improve our knowledge concerning the clinical use of this test.

Please click the links in the left frame for further information

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