Anti-CCP antibodies as an aid to prioritization of patients referred to the rheumatology clinic

Abstract

Sir, As noted in your review article,1 anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCP) have been shown to be more sensitive and specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than the rheumatoid factor (RF).2 It is also well accepted that patients with early RA should be seen and treated as soon as possible, as there is a window of opportunity for full remission if treated within the first two years. We operate a prioritization system for patients in a rapid-access rheumatology clinic based on information supplied by GP letters, whereby patients with suspected inflammatory joint disease (IJD) are seen …