Beverly Hills Rheumatologist Discusses Blood Test Predictions of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) October 10, 2016 -- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology at Oxford University announced in a public release that researchers have developed a blood test that can predict whether a patient is likely to contract rheumatoid arthritis within at least 16 years of taking the test. The team discovered that testing for certain antibodies in a protein called tenascin-C, which is often found in higher levels within the joints of people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. These results were discussed by Beverly Hills rheumatologist Dr. Susan Baker, giving insight into what this could mean for the future of treatment.
Acclaimed Beverly Hills rheumatologist Dr. Susan Baker said, “The blood test will give us an even earlier time frame to begin treating patients and slow the progression of the disease. The earlier we can diagnose someone, the better we can reduce inflammation and control RA.”
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body's defense mechanisms attack joint tissue, resulting in painful inflammation and swelling in the joints, as well as bone erosion and physical deformity as the joints can become stiff and twisted.
Learn about similar autoimmune disorders at http://SusanBakerMD.com/Rheumatology-Conditions/
“Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be incredibly painful. On a daily basis, those with severe RA have difficulty moving and performing even the simplest of tasks,” added Dr. Baker “So, we are always striving for ways to prevent the condition from occurring and becoming so debilitating, which is why early diagnosis is so vital.”
The researchers tested more than 2,000 patients for the early indicators of RA with an accuracy rate of at least 50 percent and a very low rate of false positives. When compared to existing tests used to screen patients for RA, the new blood test that screens for tenascin-C is much more sensitive and accurate.
“This new research could be a real game-changer when it comes to reducing how many people in the United States suffer from RA,” said Dr. Baker. “Currently, there are about 1.5 million adults in the U.S. struggling to live each day with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.”
Dr. Susan Baker is board-certified in both internal medicine and rheumatology. She has been providing exceptional and personalized care from her Beverly Hills facility since 2003. She is also a teacher and clinical instructor at Cedars Sinai Hospital and UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine, respectively.
To learn more about Susan A. Baker MD, Rheumatology & Internal Medicine, please visit SusanBakerMD.com, or call (310) 274-7770.
Susan Baker, MD
436 North Bedford Drive, Suite 211
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 651-7861
SusanBakerMDInquiry(at)gmail(dot)com
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