Rheumatoid antinuclear factors in the absence of rheumatic disease
Alon, M.; Rosenbach, T.; Tishler, M.; Edelstein, M.; Yaron, M.
Harefuah 108(1): 14-16
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 3873384 Document Number: 247452
The prevalence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear factor (ANF) was studied in individuals without rheumatic disease. RF was found only in those aged > 60 yr sometimes in high titer. Prevalence in this age group was 7%; the prevalence reported in the literature varies between 14-16%. A gradual increase in prevalence of ANF with age was found, from 6% in those 20-40 yr old to 34% in those > 80. Similar increases have been reported by others. RF and ANF may be present in the healthy and especially the elderly population. They do not necessarily indicate the presence of an underlying rheumatic disorder.