Hematological markers in rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with disease activity scores

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints but also presents with systemic manifestations, including hematological abnormalities. These changes – such as anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis – often correlate with disease activity and can serve as surrogate markers for inflammation. Aim. To evaluate hematological parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and assess their correlation with disease activity levels. Method. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with RA and 40 matched healthy controls. RA diagnosis was based on the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. Disease activity was assessed using the DAS28-ESR score, and patients were classified into normal, inactive, and active groups. Complete blood count, ESR, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-CCP levels were measured. Results. Groups with RA activity showed notable hematological variations. Indicating anemia of chronic illness, hemoglobin, RBC count, MCV, and MCH dropped with increasing disease activity (p ≤ 0.0001). Active RA was associated with elevated RDW, WBC, neutrophils, PLT, and MPV. While monocytes exhibited marginal significance (p = 0.05), lymphocyte levels showed no appreciable change (p = 0.5). Active RA had noticeably increased RF and anti-CCP levels (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion. Hemoglobin, RDW, WBC, and PLT were most significantly correlated with active RA. These results underline the need for regular hematological testing in tracking RA progression and guiding therapeutic planning.