The impact of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody status on the management of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: observational study results from Lithuania.

Background: To provide data on the use of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) and other routinely used clinical parameters and to assess the impact of anti-CCP status on therapeutic decisions, an observational study was conducted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Sixty-seven adult patients with a recent diagnosis of RA were recruited from four rheumatology centres in Lithuania and were prospectively observed for 12 months. Data collection was based on the review of medical records and routine examination of patients.