arthritis-india

Fight Arthritis with Knowledge & Courage

This simple and inexpensive test gives valuable information about anemia (low hemoglobin concentration) and the status of the bone marrow, which manufactures various blood cells. Morphology of red

The liver produces acute phase reactants such as fibrinogen, haptoglobin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, C-reactive, and other proteins in response to inflammation. Interleukin-1, an inflammatory cytokine,

CRP, a glycoprotein, is an acute phase reactant by itself and, though costlier than ESR, is a more specific marker of acute inflammation. It elevates within 4 hours of injury and peaks within

Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies directed against the Fc portion of IgG immunoglobulin. The development of the rheumatoid factor is a mechanism to help remove immune complexes from

ACPA are antibodies found to be associated with RA. They are reported to be highly specific (98%) and moderately sensitive (70%) for RA. They predict an erosive disease. These antibodies can

This test is directed against extracellular products found in the supernatant broth of culture of bacteria called streptococci. ASO titer test should be ordered only when the diagnosis of acute

Gout is the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis in men over 40 years of age. It usually affects the joint at the base of the great toe. The onset of arthritis is abrupt with exquisite

LE cell phenomenon is an outdated test and should never be

ANA are a diverse group of autoantibodies positive in about 30% of cases of RA. These patients have more severe disease and poorer prognosis. Arthritis due to other systemic autoimmune diseases

This test is helpful in confirmation of the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, it indicates the activity of SLE as well as kidney disease in SLE. It should ideally be done by the

HLA B27, a commonly misinterpreted test, is a genetic marker usually present in 8-10% of the average population. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other spondarthritides needs to be

These are often ordered to assess the preliminary status and monitoring toxicity due to drugs like methotrexate, sulphasalazine, and azathioprine. Serum protein estimation indicates appropriate

These are ordered to assess the baseline status and monitoring toxicity or dose adjustments of some drugs such as pain killers. Simple tests such as urine examination, blood urea, and serum

Examination of fluid aspirated from a swollen joint is invaluable in diagnosing inflammatory, septic, and crystal-induced arthritis as well as haemarthrosis (blood in a joint). Fluid must be

X-rays help detect bone erosions and other changes for the diagnosis of arthritis. There are many different situations where X-Rays of various body parts may be required. Obtaining appropriate