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Abstract Background: Despite the diagnostic contribution of anti-citrullinated protein( anti-CCP) antibody and rheumatoid factor (RF), approximately one-third of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain seronegative .Anti-carbamylated protein (Anti-Carp) antibodies have been attracting increasing attention as a new diagnostic marker of RA. Objective: evaluate levels of anti-carp antibodies in RA patients in order to detect its role as a diagnostic marker and its possible association with disease activity and severity. Methods: This study included thirty adult patients with clinical evidence of rheumatoid arthritis and thirty healthy matched age and sex as controls. All underwent history taking , clinical examination, assessment of disease activity with modified Disease Activity28 (DAS28), Laboratory investigations including Complete blood count (CBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) , Liver function tests, Kidney function tests, Serum uric acid, RF, anti CCP Ab, anti-Carp Ab and radiographic Assessment with Larsen score. Results: Plasma levels of anti-Carp Ab were significantly higher in patients than control group (p>0,001) with sensitivity of 73.33% and specificity of 100%.it showed significant positive correlation with CRP (r=0.37 )(p<0.05) as a marker of activity of RA and also there was significant positive correlation with RF and ACPA (r=0.45)(r=0.48) (p<0.05) respectively as a diagnostic marker for RA. Plasma levels of anti-Carp Ab were higher in patients with more joints damage and erosions as assessed by Larsen radiological score as there was a highly significant correlation between Larsen score and serum Anti-Carp(r=0.61)(p<0.001).. Conclusion: serum Anti–Carp antibody level was higher in RA patients which serve as a diagnostic marker for RA, also its significant correlation with CRP and Larsen score may serve as a marker for disease progression and severity. |