Anti-CCP (Cyclische Citrullin-Peptid-Antikörper)

Anti-CCP are specific autoantibodies that occur in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The laboratory value measures the concentration of these antibodies in the blood and is used for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

A Anti-CCP test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as persistent joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness • Patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis, especially in the early stage • Persons with a family history of autoimmune diseases • Patients with unclear inflammatory processes in the joints

The test serves for the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and helps to distinguish the disease from other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases. It is also used to assess the prognosis of RA, as high anti-CCP values are associated with a more severe course.

A positive anti-CCP value strongly indicates rheumatoid arthritis, even if no clinical symptoms are yet pronounced. Symptoms in RA can be: • Pain and stiffness in the small joints, especially in the morning • Swelling and overheating of the joints • Progressive limitation of movement A negative value does not completely exclude RA, as about 30% of patients are anti-CCP negative.

The test can be performed at any time, especially in the case of initial suspicions of rheumatoid arthritis or unclear joint pain.

• Anti-CCP is a more specific marker for RA than rheumatoid factor (RF) and can be detected even in the early stage of the disease. • The test is also helpful for seronegative patients, in whom the rheumatoid factor is negative. • A positive Anti-CCP test often requires further examinations such as imaging or inflammatory parameters (e.g. CRP, ESR).