Diagnostic and prognostic value of aCCP and RF isotypes in RA (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-CCP antibodies compared with rheumatoid factor isotypes (RF IgA, RF IgM) in Rheumatoid Arthritis
IRAS ID
214896
Contact name
Rosalyn Dunstan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham Trent University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a well-established serological marker used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis but the test lacks diagnostic specificity. Newer tests (aCCP and RF isotypes) are now available for use but are currently not utilised within our Trust. These tests can act as a marker of disease severity and determine the patient response to treatment, thereby providing consultants with important information to enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis.\n\nDeveloping and implementing a ’RA test profile’ could significantly enhance the accuracy of RA diagnosis in our Trust, reducing the number of unnecessary referrals to rheumatology consultants, ensuring only the relevant patients are being seen. As a result we estimate that the associated departments and the Trust as a whole will benefit from the subsequent cost savings. More importantly, the patients themselves would benefit, as early detection is likely to improve prognosis resulting in better patient care and management. \n\nPatients attending a Rheumatology outpatient appointment will be eligible to take part; this includes first presentation patients (clinically suspected RA) and follow up appointments (known RA cases). They will be given an information sheet regarding the study purpose and requirements and a consent form to sign should they wish to take part. A single blood sample is required from the patient which will be anonymised so participants are unidentifiable to the researcher.\n\nThe study will be conducted on an NHS site and samples processed within Biochemistry in the pathology laboratory with an anticipated time scale of 6-8 months.\n
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0080
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion