Autoantibodies as predictors of progression to rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
A considerable number of autoantibodies have been examined as predictors for RA; however, the fastest rate of progression to RA in this study occurred in those with CCP2 and IgM-RF in combination with arthralgia.
Study context
- Population
- Autoantibody positive individuals in different populations (incl. CCP2 or CCP3 positive individuals grouped by arthralgia, immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) and first- or second-degree relatives with RA)26 studies
- Comparison
- Autoantibody positive vs autoantibody negative individuals
- Outcome
- (a) RR of RA vs autoantibody negative individuals; (b) cumulative incidence of RA over time
Methodological detailsretrospective case-control studies and prospective observational studies or RCTs, pooled survival models
- Retrospective case-control studies and prospective observational studies or RCTs
- Pooled survival models
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
RR of developing RA with serum autoantibodies
Presence of serum autoantibodies confers increased risk of developing RA (fold increase)
3.1--19.3
Further pooled results
Cumulative incidence of RA, CCP2 positive with arthralgia and IgM-RF (highest) · 12 months
- Estimated cumulative incidence of RA
- 35.2% (95% CI 29.3% to 41.2%)
Original publication
Autoantibodies as predictors of progression to rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. RMD Open. Published 11 February 2026. doi:10.
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