Rheumatoid arthritis-an autoimmune disorder seen primarily in the elderly and sometimes in people above the age of thirty-five develops when the person’s immune system attacks the healthy cells within the body considering its organs as potent enemies. In defense, mistakenly, the body produces antibodies to attack the healthy cells of its organs.

Since the immune system generally targets joints (specifically synovium or joint lining) and the tissues surrounding the joints, it causes connected cartilage to become inflamed and stiff.  A person with rheumatoid arthritis (that is when blood tests detect the presence of RF and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides or anti-CCP) is considered seropositive. On the other hand, when people have RA symptoms but without these antibodies present in the blood, they are diagnosed with a condition called seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

Also Read: Osteoarthritis not age-related, can affect young adults too

It is the rheumatoid factor (RF) that helps to confirm what type of arthritis a person has. Seronegative RA is less common than seropositive and though about seventy percent of people who get diagnosed with RA have anti-CCPs, an estimated twenty-five percent of RA patients are also found seronegative with a total absence of anti-CCPs. RF is nothing but an antibody created by an immune system that binds a normal antibody leading to inflammation of tissues. Elevated levels of RF typically occur in the case of autoimmune diseases, in Sjogren's syndrome, and even in hepatitis C.

Also Read: Sjogren's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Risk factors, And Treatment

Symptoms of Seronegative RA

Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis

Typical symptoms of seronegative RA are similar to seropositive RA, and they include some or all of the following: 

  • Tenderness and redness in the joints
  • Stiffness, especially in the hands, knees, hips, and elbows
  • Morning stiffness that lasts for longer than thirty to forty-five minutes
  • Symptoms that begin to affect the joints on both sides of the body
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Recurrent episodes of inflammation

Also Read: Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Diagnosis

When the blood test results do not procure any results but the corresponding symptoms do not subside, the rheumatologist will order additional X-rays and bone scans besides performing physical exams to assess the movement of joints and the level of inflammation. People without these antibodies present in their blood but with persistent symptoms receive a diagnosis of seronegative RA. Some people with seronegative RA test positive for antibodies in the later years of their life. The doctor then changes their diagnosis from seronegative to seropositive RA after concluding the same via tests.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis

The exact cause of this autoimmune disorder is still unknown, and it is still under investigation as to why this happens. Broadly, the risk factors are similar for seropositive and seronegative RA, and most of them are:

  • A family history of RA due to a genetic factor
  • A history of a previous infection due to certain bacterial or viral exposure
  • Excessive smoking habits
  • Overexposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals
  • Gender-75 percent of seronegative and seropositive cases of RA are women
  • Age factor
  • Obesity

Treatment And Management

In all forms of rheumatoid arthritis including this one, the focus is always on preventing joint damage and relieving the symptoms of pain, and swelling, and reducing discomfort. The medications are targeted to slow the progress of this health condition, but they do not affect the course of the condition. The treatment plan is a combination of drugs and targeted therapy known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy. To relieve the symptoms of seronegative and seropositive RA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids are given that can help to treat pain and swelling during flare-ups or when severe symptoms affect a specific joint. However, steroids can have adverse effects, so they are only given in extreme cases. Overall inflammation levels are required to be lowered to reduce the risk of complications and cardiovascular diseases. Patients with severe joint damage can opt for joint replacement surgery to improve function and mobility and enhance the quality of life.

Diet For Managing Seronegative RA

An anti-inflammatory diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods can also be helpful to manage inflammation owing to anti-inflammatory properties and may ease pain and stiffness in tender joints. The following foods can be added to the diet after consulting a rheumatologist:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids
  • Fish oil supplements
  • Low-fat dairy alternatives