Exploring the Role of Antinuclear Antibody Positivity in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Health Outcomes of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

In patients with RA, important differences exist between those who are ANA-positive and ANA-negative in terms of time to fulfillment of RA criteria and time to DMARD initiation as well as choice of initial pharmacotherapy. These findings could indicate a difference in clinical presentation or perception of patients with RA who are ANA-positive. Further research is needed to study the long-term outcomes of patients with RA who are ANA-positive.