Genetic testing for rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints of the hands and legs, the wrist and the knee. If affects representatives of all races and ethnic groups. Approximately 1% of the people are affected. It appears in all age groups, but most often between the ages of 30 and 50. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by an inflammatory reaction and the release of several mediators of inflammation which are responsible for symptoms such a fatigue, loss of appetite, increased perspiration, fever, loss of body weight and insomnia. Joint problems appear only later in the course of disease.
Why should you have your DNA analysed for predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis?
By having your genome analysed you will find out the extent to which you are predisposed to this joint disease.
How is rheumatoid arthritis prevented or treated?
Autoimmune diseases are treated with various anti-inflammatory drugs. A laboratory blood test is the most important method of detecting and diagnosing this disease.
More information about genetic testing for diseases.