Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as in other organs in the body. There is a genetic predisposition, although the cause remains unknown.

Women are more affected. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually inflamed in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected).

When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity.

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Since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, its inflammation can affect organs and areas of the body other than the joints.

The diagnosis is based on the pattern of symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and the blood and x-ray findings. A blood antibody called “rheumatoid factor” is found in 80% of patients.

Citrulline antibody (also referred to as anti-citrulline antibody, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, and anti- CCP) is present in most patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. To date, the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction and deformity.