Diagnostic value of third generation anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (Anti-CCP3) assay in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of anti-CCP3 as a diagnostic marker in Egyptian early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Subjects and Methods: A total of 60 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 30 aged and sex matched volunteers participated in the study. Basic demographic, functional and clinical data were collected alongside laboratory assessment of Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 3 (Anti-CCP3) by ELISA. Results: Anti-CCP3 level was significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (p 0.001) .At cut off value 20.65 (U/mL) and AUC 0.950, Anti-CCP 3 could significantly distinguish between RA patients and controls (p 0.001) .The sensitivity and specificity were 83.33%, and 93.33% respectively. Also, Anti-CCP 3 levels significantly correlated with the number of swollen and tender joints (P 0.05), VAS (P 0.05), DAS-28 (P 0.05), m HAQ (P 0.001), bone erosions (P 0.001), and narrow joint space (P 0.001). Conclusion: Anti-CCP3 is a potent diagnostic as well as prognostic laboratory marker and its positivity resulted in more specific identification of RA patients. Moreover, anti-CCP3 is considered the most acceptable choice for diagnosing early rheumatoid arthritis especially sero-negative type, with 83.33% sensitivity and 93.33% specificity.