Anti‑CCP (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

What is Anti-CCP?

Anti-CCP stands for antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide. These are antibodies (a type of protein) produced by the immune system that are specifically directed against certain proteins in the body that have undergone citrullination, a process that occurs during inflammatory responses. The presence of Anti-CCP is an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints.

Why should you have Anti-CCP tested?

Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and are used for the diagnosis of this condition. Testing for Anti-CCP is useful because it can help establish the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, even in an early stage of the disease. It can also help predict the course of RA and the probability of severe joint damage, which is important for planning effective treatment.

What does it indicate?

The presence of Anti-CCP antibodies in the blood is a strong indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of these antibodies are associated with a more aggressive form of the disease and may point to a higher risk of joint damage.

What does a high Anti-CCP level mean?

A high level of Anti-CCP antibodies indicates the presence of rheumatoid arthritis and is associated with a more severe disease course. Patients with high levels of Anti-CCP have a higher chance of rapid progression of joint damage and may require more intensive treatment.

What does a low Anti-CCP level mean?

A low or non-detectable level of Anti-CCP antibodies does not completely rule out rheumatoid arthritis, but it may indicate a lower likelihood of the disease. It is important to note that RA can also be diagnosed in the absence of Anti-CCP, especially if other clinical symptoms and test results point to RA.