What does high rheumatoid factor mean?

High rheumatoid factor means that there may be a risk of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases, but this indicator alone cannot be diagnosed, but also needs to be judged by a combination of factors.

Rheumatoid factor is not a specific indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. Although it is often elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it may also be elevated in other diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and certain infections. Therefore, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be diagnosed solely on the basis of high rheumatoid factor, but needs to be comprehensively evaluated in combination with clinical symptoms, signs, and other test results.

For individuals with high rheumatoid factors, careful medical history and a comprehensive physical examination are required. For example, joint pain, swelling, stiffness, especially symmetrical facet joint symptoms, and other concomitant manifestations such as rash, fever, dry mouth, and dry eyes are important for determining the direction of diagnosis.

In addition to rheumatoid factor testing, anti-cyclic citrulline antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, etc. may also be required to help determine the disease more accurately. Imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging are also important for assessing joint disease.