Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at a Highlights from a Study at a Centre in Delhi

Kapil Singh; Nadeem Ahmad; Nimisha Jain; Shukla Das

doi:10.18502/jmb.v13i4.20527

Kapil Singh Department of Microbiology, North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College & Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, India.
Nadeem Ahmad Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India.
Nimisha Jain Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, India.
Shukla Das Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmb.v13i4.20527

Keywords: Autoimmune disease, RA factor, Rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that impacts a significant portion ofthe population. It results in joint damage, pain, and functional impairment, alongside chronicsynovitis. This study aimed to elucidate the Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Rheumatoid ArthritisPatients at a Tertiary Care Institute in Delhi.

Methods: This study involved a retrospective analysis of rheumatoid factor measurements performedon 17,130 serum samples at the Serology and Immunology laboratory from June 2021 to July 2024.The SPECTRUM RF Test Kit (Spectrum Medical Industries, Delhi, India) and the SPECTRUMAutomatic Analyzer were employed

Results: Immunoturbidimetry is an uncomplicated and highly sensitive method for the determinationof rheumatoid factor. The quantification of rheumatoid factor via immunoturbidimetry is evidentlyappropriate for routine diagnostic laboratories. Of 17,130 samples, 1,727 tested positive forrheumatoid factor, exhibiting a slight female predominance. A statistically significant relationship (Pvalue < 0.05) with rheumatoid arthritis was identified in all age groups except for 0-10 years. Thehighest number of positive cases in our study originated from the Department of Orthopedics,followed by Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Surgery.

Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major burden in North India, particularly in Delhi, withgaps in understanding genetic-environmental interactions (e.g., pollution, diet) and the role ofrheumatoid factor in asymptomatic/elderly people. Multidisciplinary research is required to createprecise diagnostics, risk models, and targeted therapies for this unique situation. Longitudinal studiesand region-specific guidelines are critical for improving outcomes and mitigating RA'ssocioeconomic impact in this population.