AB0192 Can anti-ccp antibody titer predict the use of biologics ?

Background Anti-CCP antibody (ACPA) is widely used for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ACPA seropositivity has been known as a factor associated with a poor joint prognosis. However, the importance of ACPA titer, especially its influence for treatment decision, remains unclear. Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze whether RA patients with higher ACPA titer need biologics more frequently or not. Methods We extracted all the RA patients who underwent ACPA test during the period from February 2012 to October 2012. These patients were divided into three groups based on the value of ACPA, e.g. negative (less than 4.5 U/mL), positive (4.5-100 U/mL), and strong positive (more than 100 U/mL). We retrospectively reviewed all the biologic/non-biologic DMARDs the patients had ever used, and compared the rates of biologics use among three groups. Results The rate of biologic use was significantly lower in negative ACPA group (31.0%) compared to positive ACPA group (55.6%, p