Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in ulcerative colitis with and without joint involvement

Abstract

Background Joint affection is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite the high specificity of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis, their role in UC remains unclear. Aim The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with UC and to investigate any association with joint affection. Patients and methods A total of 60 patients with UC were studied. Demographic data were collected, careful history was taken, and clinical examination including rheumatologic examination was done. A blood sample was collected for assessment of anti-CCP and other laboratory tests. Colonoscopy was done for assessment of severity and extension of UC. Results Joint affection was found in 28.33% of patients. Anti-CCP antibody was positive in 8.33% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with positive and negative anti-CCP antibody regarding joint affection or UC activity or extension. Conclusion The prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with UC was 8.33%, but there was no association between the presence of these antibodies and the joint affection or disease activity or extension.

Keywords

• cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies
• joint
• ulcerative colitis