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There is an association between rheumatoid factor and more persistently active synovitis, more joint damage, greater eventual disability and arthritis. [12] [13] Other than in rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid factor may also be elevated in other conditions, including: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [14] [15] Sjögren syndrome [14] [15]
In the adrenal cortex, angiotensin II acts to cause the release of aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the tubules (e.g., the distal convoluted tubules and the cortical collecting ducts) in the kidneys, causing them to reabsorb more sodium and water from the urine. This increases blood volume and, therefore, increases blood pressure.
[2] While the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not clear, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. [1] The underlying mechanism involves the body's immune system attacking the joints. [1] This results in inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule. [1] It also affects the underlying bone and cartilage. [1]
Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (or sometimes RS 3 PE) is a rare syndrome identified by symmetric polyarthritis, synovitis, acute pitting edema (swelling) of the back of the hands and/or feet, and a negative serum rheumatoid factor. [2]
Besides sending the joint fluid to a laboratory for analysis, blood tests may requested to determine a white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and perhaps the level of C-reactive protein or uric acid. If blood tests reveal Lyme disease antibodies forming, the condition may be attributed to it.
The diagnosis of RA was formerly based on detection of rheumatoid factor (RF). However, RF is also associated with other autoimmune diseases. The detection of anti-CCP is currently considered the most specific marker of RA. The diagnosis of rheumatoid lung disease is based on evaluation of pulmonary function, radiology, serology and lung biopsy.
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of reactive arthritis following urethritis. Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are rare causes. There is some circumstantial evidence for other organisms causing the disease, but the details are unclear. [18] Reactive arthritis usually manifests about 1–3 weeks after a known infection.
This condition affects less than 1% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [11] The presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and an abnormally low white blood cell count are indications that Felty's syndrome is possibly occurring. This condition as a whole is difficult to diagnose due to its ...