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Posted 1/19/2010 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Can anybody tell me if the CCP test can be elevated due to an infection or is it definitive for RA? My Rheumatologist told me last month that I had RA because my number was so high. I retested and now, the number is much lower even though its still elevated. I'm wondering if the number would be elevated without it being RA.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me.
Posted 1/20/2010 5:47 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Seamom and welcome to the RA forumsmilewinkgrin

Im hopeless at all this bloodwork readingeyes

I never gauge anything by my bloodwork results as I can be in a huge flare and my results are good - huh?

Glad you are seeing a Rheumy, has he/she prescribed meds to ease your symptoms?

Sorry Im not much help with your question, hopefully someone more informed than me will come along.

Take care

Jo

Posted 1/20/2010 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
I'm seeing my Rheumy today. I have so many questions to ask her. Wish me luck.

Thanks for the reply.

Pat
Posted 1/21/2010 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
How did your appt. go Pat?
Hope you got some answers.
Please let us know how you went.
Jo
Posted 1/22/2010 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
She is now not convinced of the RA diagnosis. My numbers changed dramatically. My CCP was originally 90 and now its down to 34, which is still elevated. She thinks there is an infection in my system that may be affecting the tests. (I am praying that that is the case.) I am repeating the tests again in 2 months. Is it possible that the number relates to the severity or progress of the RA? I'm wondering if because the number is low could it reflect that either the RA is in its early stages or if the progress of the disease if limited at this time. I'm still praying.

Thanks for your positive thoughts on my behalf.
Pat
Posted 1/23/2010 8:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Pat,

With your CCP lowering have your symptoms of RA been less painful. I guess thats the way I would look at it.

I cant put much into my blood results as I can be having a massive flare and my blood results show up OK.

Maybe if you are still in pain she can run x-rays ands scans to determine whats going on.

Im hoping for you sake that it is something other than RA that can be fixed easilysmilewinkgrin

Keep us updated and good luck

Jo

Posted 1/23/2010 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I will.
Posted 1/24/2010 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Anti-CCP is specific for RA but does not have to be positive to diagnose RA.  A positve anti-CCP does mean the patient is more likely to have joint damage from the disease.  Positve RF along with positive Anti-CCP does indicate a more active form of the disease is likely.

Anti-CCP can be positive for YEARS prior to the onset of active disease.

Posted 1/24/2010 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
My RF was negative. Does a positive anti-CCP number mean the joint damage is greater if the number is higher?
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