After years of research, scientists have discovered that rheumatoid arthritis is often preceded by a silent, symptomless stage. Catching the autoimmune disorder earlier could mean lessening the painful joint inflammation and damage, or even stopping its progression.

Some people who develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are deemed at risk years before the appearance of joint inflammation ( synovitis) , due to the presence of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) in their blood. However, not everyone with ACPAs develops RA, and it hasn't been clear why.

The latest study reveals new warning signs doctors could use to identify who is most at risk, which include inflammatory proteins in the blood and the behavior of immune cells (which drive RA).

The study is the work of a US team

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