Diagnostic accuracy of combined tests of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody and rheumatoid factor for rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic properties of combined tests of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
We performed an extensive research between January 2000 and January 2013 of the published literature. A random-effects model was used to summarise data from 24 studies that conformed to our inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by threshold effect analysis and meta-regression.


RESULTS
The summary estimates for anti-CCP antibody and RF positivity (both serum markers had to be positive) in the diagnosis of RA were: sensitivity 57% (95% confidence interval (CI), 55% to 59%), specificity 96% (CI, 96% to 97%), positive likelihood ratio (LR) 13.84 (CI, 10.56 to 18.12), negative LR 0.46 (CI, 0.40 to 0.52), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 33.02 (CI, 23.89 to 45.64). The pooled data for anti-CCP antibody or RF positivity (one serum marker had to be positive) were: sensitivity 78% (CI, 76% to 80%), specificity 82% (CI, 81% to 84%), positive LR 4.24 (CI, 3.61 to 4.97), negative LR 0.27 (CI, 0.22 to 0.34), DOR 16.95 (CI, 12.96 to 22.18).


CONCLUSIONS
Both anti-CCP antibody and RF positivity are useful for ruling in the diagnosis of RA, and positivity combined improves the probability of true positivity in the diagnosis. Anti-CCP antibody or RF positivity shows low specificity and positive LR, and should be integrated with other examinations to make a final diagnosis.
Department of Postgraduate Students, West China School of Clinical Medicine, Si Chuan University, Chyeng Du, Si Chuan, China. sjh86222@163.com.
Jianhong
J
Sun
Yuhui
Y
Zhang
Lei
L
Liu
Gang
G
Liu
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006801:Humans; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000276:immunology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D015415:Biomarkers; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; C487763:cyclic citrullinated peptide; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor