I’ve Rheumatoid Arthritis since 3 years, how do I know if the same is controlled? Should I get a rheumatoid factor done?

No. Rheumatoid factor doe not help one determine the RA activity. It tends to fluctuate & does not correlate with the RA activity. Negative RA factor does not necessarily mean that Rheumatoid arthritis is in remission. Even at the stage of diagnosis, 35% of RA patients are seronegative (a negative RA factor test).

In that case, how does one know if RA is in remission?

There is no blood test that will determine the RA activity/ remission. A Rheumatologist assesses the RA activity with the help of -
1. Patient’s symptoms - The magnitude of joint pain & the stiffness the patient has. If the patient does not have pain/ swelling in any of the joints, there can be no better way to define a stage of remission in him.
2. Clinical findings- A Rheumatologist would examine all the joints for the presence of inflammation. The number of swollen & tender joints helps him assess the level of RA activity & define remission. A number of scores (eg. DAS score) are available for a Rheumatologist to objectively determine RA activity. However, these scores are only a guide. They cannot replace the patient’s symptoms & actual clinical assessment.

Would ESR help determine whether my RA is in remission?

No. ESR is one of the markers to indicate the level of inflammation. However, it is not specific for RA & may be raised due to numerous factors other than RA. ESR cannot replace the patient’s symptoms & actual clinical assessment by a Rheumatologist in determining the RA activity.

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Created on: April 2007

Last updated on: April 2011