Assessment the Role of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein Tests For Prediction Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity In Misan Province

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) activity was assessed based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests. The ESR and CRP tests were monitored in 25 Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed patients and 25 healthy approved cases of suspected patients from Missan Province. The sample comprised of 25 male and 25 females with ages varied from 21-68 years and body weights from 45 – 112 kg. ESR readings in RA diagnosed patients varied between 22 – 116 averaged 46.8 mm/h in patients case while those recorded in the healthy approvrd cases ranged between 4-18 averaged 8.4 mm/h. Differences between patients and control cases were statistically significant (P < 0.05). This approved that measuring ESR is a valid tool to predict RA among Missan population. CRP test showed only 2 negative results among RA patients compared with 15 negative results in healthy approved cases. CRP values in patients sample ranged between 10 mg/dl in 11 cases and 24 – 48 mg/dl in another 11 cases with only one highly extreme value of 96 mg/dl. In he healthy approved cases, CRP values ranging from 6-12 mg/dl were recorded in 10 cases and negative results in the rest 15 cases. differences were highly significant (p< 0.01) indicating the validity of CRP test to predict RA cases. Both parameters varied among various age groups, gender and body weight classes. Apparantly both ESR and CRP tests may help to find or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions of rheumatoid arthritis.