Rheumatoid factor is commonly positive in which condition?

Rheumatoid factor is commonly positive in which condition?

• A. Rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Systemic lupus erythematosus

Answer: (A)

Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody, typically an IgM that targets the Fc portion of IgG. It is most commonly positive in rheumatoid arthritis, where a large proportion of patients have RF and its presence can be associated with more active or severe disease and certain extra-articular features. However, RF is not specific to RA and can be seen in other autoimmune conditions and even in some healthy older individuals. Anti-CCP antibodies offer greater specificity for RA, but RF remains the classic association. In contrast, osteoarthritis and gout usually do not have RF positivity, and while systemic lupus erythematosus can show RF in some cases, it is not the defining or most characteristic finding for that disease. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis is the condition most commonly associated with a positive rheumatoid factor.

Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody, typically an IgM that targets the Fc portion of IgG. It is most commonly positive in rheumatoid arthritis, where a large proportion of patients have RF and its presence can be associated with more active or severe disease and certain extra-articular features. However, RF is not specific to RA and can be seen in other autoimmune conditions and even in some healthy older individuals. Anti-CCP antibodies offer greater specificity for RA, but RF remains the classic association. In contrast, osteoarthritis and gout usually do not have RF positivity, and while systemic lupus erythematosus can show RF in some cases, it is not the defining or most characteristic finding for that disease. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis is the condition most commonly associated with a positive rheumatoid factor.