Abstract

Rheumatoid Factor: A Critical Biomarker in Rheumatic Diseases

Author(s): Sarah Deson*

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an important biomarker used in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is an autoantibody, meaning it is an antibody produced by the immune system that mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues. Specifically, RF is directed against the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG), forming immune complexes that contribute to the inflammatory processes seen in RA and other autoimmune conditions. The presence of RF in a patient’s blood has significant diagnostic and prognostic implications, making it a cornerstone in the clinical assessment of rheumatic diseases.