Serum Copper as a Marker of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Abstract

Copper is an important trace element for normal growth and development of the body. It is also essential for maturation of collagen tissues. The purpose of the study was to estimate the serum copper levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients and to see its association with the various parameters of disease activity. The study was carried out among 50 diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients (25 each of active disease & remission patients) and 50 age and sex matched controls. Fasting blood sample was collected for estimation of serum copper, haemoglobin level and ESR in the subjects. Mean serum copper level in the case group was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group (p-value<0.001). This increase of copper level was more in active disease than those with remission (p-value < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between serum copper level and ESR, serum copper level and morning stiffness and a negative correlation was found between serum copper level and haemoglobin level in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, serum copper level may be used as an additional biochemical marker for estimation of disease activity.