high rheumatoid factor

my Rheumatoid factor is 127 very high. My husband insists that it doesn't mean that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis I have an appointment with a specialist next month. I am fourty seven years old. I have no family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis.Can you tell me if there is a need for alarm?


This discussion is related to rheumatoid factor.

[TrudieC]

There are a number of issues that can be related to a high RF factor.  Are you having symptoms?  It is best that you get to a rheumatologist for a diagnosis.  Her eis what I found:

High levels of rheumatoid factor, especially in people who have symptoms, can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. The higher the level reported, the more likely one of these conditions is present.

People with these autoimmune diseases may also have higher levels of rheumatoid factor:

Scleroderma
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Adult Still's disease
Dermatomyositis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Sarcoidosis
Many other medical problems and infections may cause higher-than-normal levels of RF. However, RF is not used to diagnose these problems:

AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections
Endocarditis, tuberculosis, and other bacterial infections
Parasite infections
Leukemia, multiple myeloma, and other cancers
Chronic lung disease
Chronic liver diseases
Nephrotic syndrome
Sometimes, people who are healthy and have no other medical problem will have a higher-than-normal RF level.

[cgmaestra]

Ok, I am a 41 year old female, with no history of Rheumatoid Arthritis, my RA result came back at 400.....I have been referred to a specialist, I have stiffness in my neck, and aches and pains, but thought it was just from being inactive (not exercising on a daily basis).  What is the likelihood of this being a "false positive" or "responsive result" (and what does responsible result mean?)  I am very nervous about this.  If anyone can help me out here with some info, I would greatly appreciate it.  Is there a diet plan I can follow?  Is it true that being a vegetarian will help?  

Sincerely,

Concerned.....