Correlation of Uric Acid Levels and Rheumatoid Factor in the Elderly

Abstract

Elderly people have dysfunctional changes in the immune system. Disease burden will increase due to uric acid particularly in elderly including arthritis. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an examination that can identify the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. Reactive RF value in RA is 70%, while in people 65 years old is 20%. This research is to define the correlation between uric acid levels and rheumatoid factor in elderly. Methods use cross-sectional study; Participants: twenty-one elderly people. Measurements: whole blood and serum from elderly individuals, Accu Check, Antisera RF, Slide test. The research showed that normal uric acid levels with non-reactive RF were 15 people (93.8%) while with reactive RF was 1 person (6.3%). The results of uric acid levels increased with non-reactive RF were 2 people (40%) while with reactive RF was 3 people (60%). Uric acid levels and rheumatoid factor (RF) were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Both are interrelated (p=0,028, P< 0.05). The conclusion of this research is that uric acid levels are correlated with rheumatoid factor in the elderly.