Correlation of serum tumor necrosis factor–and extraarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis in Egyptians

Abstract EN

Aim of the work: To estimate TNF-? as a factor in the development of extra-articular manifestations in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Patients and methods: The clinical, laboratory and radiological data of eighty Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients (forty with extra articular manifestations and another forty without extra articular manifestations) as well as forty normal subjects (included as a control group) constituted the material of this work.

The serum level of TNF-? was determined in the three groups, was statistically compared in between and correlated with different disease manifestations.

Results: Patients with extra-articular manifestations showed the highest level of serum TNF-? with statistically significant difference between the three groups.

Statistically significant positive correlations were found between TNF-? serum level and the occurrence of extra articular manifestations in group1.

Conclusion: The positive correlation between TNF-? serum and the development of extra articular manifestations and RA severity, suggest the use of TNF-? serum level as an early prognostic factor.