Diagnostic accuracy of combined tests of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody and rheumatoid factor for rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;32(1):11-21. Epub 2013 Sep 18.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic properties of combined tests of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We performed an extensive research between January 2000 and January 2013 of the published literature. A random-effects model was used to summarise data from 24 studies that conformed to our inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by threshold effect analysis and meta-regression.

Results: The summary estimates for anti-CCP antibody and RF positivity (both serum markers had to be positive) in the diagnosis of RA were: sensitivity 57% (95% confidence interval (CI), 55% to 59%), specificity 96% (CI, 96% to 97%), positive likelihood ratio (LR) 13.84 (CI, 10.56 to 18.12), negative LR 0.46 (CI, 0.40 to 0.52), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 33.02 (CI, 23.89 to 45.64). The pooled data for anti-CCP antibody or RF positivity (one serum marker had to be positive) were: sensitivity 78% (CI, 76% to 80%), specificity 82% (CI, 81% to 84%), positive LR 4.24 (CI, 3.61 to 4.97), negative LR 0.27 (CI, 0.22 to 0.34), DOR 16.95 (CI, 12.96 to 22.18).

Conclusions: Both anti-CCP antibody and RF positivity are useful for ruling in the diagnosis of RA, and positivity combined improves the probability of true positivity in the diagnosis. Anti-CCP antibody or RF positivity shows low specificity and positive LR, and should be integrated with other examinations to make a final diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / blood
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Humans
  • Peptides, Cyclic / immunology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Rheumatoid Factor / blood*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • cyclic citrullinated peptide
  • Rheumatoid Factor