Rheumatoid Factor

[Shanny964]

Hi, I am a 33 year old female.  My mother has had rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years.   I have been having various joint pain for some while now, wake up in the night in pain, and am very stiff and sore in the morning for at least 2 hours.  Pain is in back, shoulders, hips, wrists and hands and knees.  No lumps or anything though.  My RF test came back 10.0, which I assume is completely normal.  I had a thyroid antibody test done too which was over 1000, and have been hypothyroid for 3 years.  My tsh level is close to normal right now.  My dr said I have osteoarthritis in 2 vertabraes in my spine, t 10 & t 11.  Any imput?

[TrudieC]

It does sound like you have more than osteoarthritis going on, especially with the morning stiffness.  What other tests did he run?  I copied this from another web site to give you some insight.  It does mention Sjogrens.  There are other auto-immune arthritis diseases that can give you your symptoms where your RF is negative  I hope you can get some answers.

How is it used?
The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to distinguish it from other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It may be ordered along with other autoimmune-related tests, such as an ANA (antinuclear antibody), along with other markers of inflammation, such as a CRP (C-reactive protein) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and along with a CBC (Complete Blood Count) to evaluate the body’s blood cells. A CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody) test, a relatively new test that can help detect early RA, may be ordered if the RF is negative. The RF test may also be ordered, along with tests such as anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B to help diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome.

When is it ordered?
The test for RF may be ordered when a patient has signs of RA. Symptoms may include pain, warmth, swelling, and morning stiffness in the joints, nodules under the skin, and, if the disease has progressed, evidence on X-rays of swollen joint capsules and loss of cartilage and bone. An RF test may be repeated when the first test is negative and symptoms persist. The RF test also may be ordered when a patient has symptoms suggesting Sjögren’s syndrome. Symptoms may include an extremely dry mouth and eyes, dry skin, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms may also be mixed as patients may have more than one autoimmune disorder. Patients with RA and/or Sjogren’s syndrome may also have other connective tissue disorders such as Raynaud’s syndrome, scleroderma, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and systemic lupus erythematosis.

What does the test result mean?
In patients with symptoms and clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis, the presence of significant concentrations of RF indicates that it is likely that they have RA. In patients with the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome, significant concentrations of RF indicate that it is likely that they have Sjögren’s.
A negative RF test does not rule out RA or Sjögren’s syndrome. About 20% of patients with RA and many patients with Sjögren’s syndrome will be persistently negative for RF and/or may have very low levels of RF.

Positive RF test results may also be seen in healthy patients and in patients with conditions such as: endocarditis; systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); tuberculosis; syphilis; sarcoidosis; cancer; viral infection; or disease of the liver, lung, or kidney. The RF test is not used to diagnose or monitor these conditions.


Is there anything else I should know?
The RF test is not diagnostic or specific. It must be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s symptoms and history to make a diagnosis of RA, Sjögren’s syndrome, or another condition. The frequency of false positive RF results increases with age.

[Shanny964]

Thank you so much for your comments Trudie!!

[Shanny964]

He did not run any other tests at all.  I am just moving provinces right now so I can see a new doctor on Sept 23.  My doctor was just a GP.  He did not give me any insight to even what the thyroid antibody results meant, just that they were well over 1000, and continue to take synthroid and have it checked every 3 months or so? I had to ask for the RF test, which came about just because of the soreness and stiffness continuously and my mom's history.  Any tests specifically do you think I should ask for?

[TrudieC]

Firstly, a rheumatologist should run the tests.  My rheumy scoffs at any tests my GP runs.  You need to have a complete CBC, ANA, CRP and many others that the rheumy will run as well as examine you and help to come to a diagnosis.  Early treatment is key to improve and retain your quality of life.  Good luck with your move.  I live in Ontario.  Where are you heading?

[Shanny964]

Thanks. BC back to Alberta, originally from Alberta