Determination of Rheumatoid Factor in Juigalpa, Chontales

Abstract

Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is an immunological test for rheumatoid arthritis. (Goldsby & Kindt & Osborne & Kudy, 2004). According to Restrepo (2007), the determination of the Rheumatoid Factor by the method of agglutination can appear positive in immune diseases, among them we have: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Eritemaso, Tuberculosis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Infectious Mononucleosis and Viral Infections. The study is a prospective cross-sectional quantitative study involving 40 women aged 40-60 years. The aim of the study is to determine the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in women aged 40-60 years; as RA can occur at any age, but most cases are among the elderly, mainly affecting the female sex (Restrepo, 2007). The variables under study (age, occupation and health status) were obtained through surveys, which were applied to 40 women. The determination of FR is carried out by the latex particle agglutination method. The analyzed samples were negative; however, this does not rule out the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as they perform different tasks that are triggers of the disease, could be due to a combination of immune, environmental and genetic aspects, where the damaged joints are the wrists, fingers, elbows, shoulder, hips, knees, ankles, and toes (Restrepo, 2007).

Keywords: Rheumatoid factor, Agglutination, Joints, Rheumatoid arthritis.