Clinico Pathological Study of Rheumatoid Arthritis Association with C -Reactive Protein (CRP); a Potential Biomarker of Cartilage Damage

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a potential biomarker of cartilage damage.

Methodology: This is Case control study was conducted in department of pathology Ziauddin University Clifton Campus, Karachi. Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to established criteria, aged 18 years or older and both male and female participants were included. Clinical data was collected through medical record review and direct patient interviews. Blood samples were collected from participants for CRP measurement using standard laboratory assays. Serum CRP levels were quantified using high-sensitivity CRP assays in a certified clinical laboratory. CRP levels was defined based on established cutoff values, typically exceeding 3 mg/L. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Mean age of the participants was 43.43 years. 77 (88%) were females, while 11 (12%) were males. 74 (84.1%) participants had small joint involvement, while 19 (21.6%) had large joint involvement. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were found to be significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy controls, with a mean CRP level of 27.02 mg/L ± 25.3 in RA patients and 1.53 mg/L ± 0.48 in controls (p < 0.0001). Additionally, within the RA group, serum CRP levels were higher in patients with high Disease Activity Score (DAS) compared to those with moderate DAS (29.22 mg/L ± 17.51 vs. 24.45 mg/L ± 8.89, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between serum CRP levels and Sharp score, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.508 and a p-value of 0.001, indicating a significant association between CRP levels and radiographic evidence of joint damage in RA patients.

Conclusion: Study revealed that the significant elevation of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to healthy individuals. The positive correlation between serum CRP levels and the extent of joint damage observed radiographically, suggesting CRP's potential as a biomarker for gauging disease severity and cartilage deterioration in RA.