Frequency of rheumatoid factor and serum uric acid in asymptomatic elderly individuals at Khartoum state, Sudan

Abstract

Aim of the study: This study aimed to determine rheumatoid factor and serum uric acid among
Asymptomatic elderly individuals above 60 years of age. Methods: A total number of 103 individuals
were screened for rheumatoid factor (RF), uric acid (UA) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) by
using slide agglutination, enzymatic method and westergren tubes, respectively. Result: Of the 103
individuals tested, 10 (9.7%) were rheumatoid factor reactive most of them 6/10 (60%) were females.
Twenty-two participants (21%) showed an elevated uric acid level (≥ 7.7mg/dl and ≥ 6.8mg/dl for males
and females respectively); two of them were RF reactive. Among the ten rheumatoid factor positive
individuals, elevated Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was noticed in 9 with 5 having elevated ESR
level of more than 50 mm/hr. Significant correlation has been detected between elevated serum uric
acid and ESR (P value 0.046). Recommendation: It's highly recommended to screen periodically any
elderly individuals (above 60 year) for serum uric acid and rheumatoid factor, which might help in early
diagnosis and avoid any complication and co morbid diseases.