Reumafaktori

Reumafaktori, also known as rheumatoid factor (RF), is an autoantibody found in the blood of some people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a type of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody that binds to the Fc portion of another immunoglobulin, typically IgG. The presence of RF in the blood is a marker for RA and can help in the diagnosis of the disease. However, it is important to note that RF can also be present in other autoimmune conditions and infections, so its presence alone does not confirm RA. The level of RF in the blood can fluctuate over time, and it may not be present in all people with RA.

RF is produced by B cells, a type of white blood cell, in response to an unknown antigen. The exact mechanism by which RF is produced in RA is not fully understood, but it is thought to play a role in the inflammation and tissue damage associated with the disease. Some studies have suggested that RF may also have a protective effect in RA, but more research is needed to confirm this.

The measurement of RF in the blood is typically done using a blood test. The results are usually reported as a titer, which is the ratio of RF to normal IgG in the blood. A titer of 1:40 or higher is generally considered positive for RF. However, the clinical significance of a positive RF test can vary depending on the individual and the context in which it is found.

In summary, reumafaktori, or rheumatoid factor, is an autoantibody found in the blood of some people with rheumatoid arthritis. It is a marker for RA and can help in the diagnosis of the disease, but its presence alone does not confirm RA. The level of RF in the blood can fluctuate over time, and it may not be present in all people with RA. The measurement of RF is typically done using a blood test, and the results are usually reported as a titer.