What is a High Level of Rheumatoid Factor?

High Rheumatoid Factor Levels: When to Be Concerned

Rheumatoid Factor, or RF, is a protein found in the blood. It is often linked with autoimmune conditions, more specifically with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you have ever had a blood test and found your RF is high, it might make you wonder what that means. Read on to discover what a high level of rheumatoid factor means and more.

What is a Rheumatoid Factor Level?

In simple terms, a high RF level suggests there is an underlying health issue. However, it does not mean that a person has a specific condition. Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody with no protective function. During certain diseases, the immune system starts attacking the body’s tissues. It essentially happens with autoimmune disorders.

RF forms immune complexes with IgG, activating complement and driving inflammation causing joint damage indirectly. It is very commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis but can also appear elevated in other conditions.

High Level of Rheumatoid Factor

The normal range of RF is between 0 and 20 IU/ml, which is also known as RF negative. Whereas having an RF of greater than 15 IU/ml is considered RF positive. A reading above 20 IU/mL is considered to be a high level.

Causes of a High Rheumatoid Factor

Statistics show that about 70% to 80% of people who have rheumatoid arthritis have elevated RF levels. However, it is also important to note that about 20% to 30% of people with RA have normal to low RF levels. It means that RF alone is not a definitive test for RA. Here is a list of some of the possible reasons why someone might have high RF levels:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis : The most common condition associated with a high RF is rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of joints, which leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the area.
• Other Autoimmune Diseases : Higher RF levels are also linked with other autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, and Sjögren's syndrome. These conditions involve the immune system, which attacks healthy cells of the body and leads to inflammation in different parts.
• Chronic Infections : There are certain chronic infections, like chronic hepatitis and tuberculosis, leading to elevated levels of RF in the blood. These infections can sometimes trigger autoimmune-like responses that raise RF levels even during the absence of an autoimmune disorder.
• Liver Disease : Liver disease, like cirrhosis, causes higher-than-normal RF levels.
• Age : As people grow older, their RF levels naturally rise without any underlying condition. It indicates that an elevated RF level in an elderly person might not always be due to a disease.

Managing High Rheumatoid Factor

If the high RF levels are linked to a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, the treatment generally involves medications, which aim to reduce inflammation and control the immune system. The goal during such time becomes preventing further damage and improving the quality of life. In some instances, lifestyle modifications are recommended, like exercise and dietary adjustments.

If your RF levels are high, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can consider various factors and guide you through necessary tests and treatments. While persistent high RF level can cause aggressive RA, extra-articular manifestations and poorer prognosis. Proper medical advice can help manage health effectively.