Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies, or proteins produced by the body's immune system that may attack healthy tissue in the body. Health care professionals may test the levels of rheumatoid factors to determine if a specific disease is occurring in the body. Doctors are not sure what causes elevated rheumatoid factors, but they have been associated with specific inflammatory diseases. Rheumatoid factor may be detected in some healthy people, but this is rare.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, rheumatoid factor is elevated if a patient has rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the tissues in the joints. This can cause excessive swelling, pain, stiffness and joint tenderness during rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. As the disease progresses rheumatoid arthritis may cause joint deformities or other serious complications. If rheumatoid factor levels are high, a physician will look at other signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to make an accurate diagnosis.
Sjogren Syndrome
According to MayoClinic.com, rheumatoid factors may be elevated in a patient with Sjogren syndrome. Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed by the body's own immune system. In addition to affecting glands that produce tears and saliva, Sjogren syndrome can also damage the kidneys and the lungs. The cause of this condition is unknown but researchers believe that it is related to a malfunctioning of the body's immune system.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Sytemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks normal, healthy cells. According to MedlinePlus, the cause of this disease is not fully understood, but SLE affects women nine times more than men. This disease can cause chest pain, fever, hair loss, mouth sores, skin rash, seizures and vision problems. An elevated rheumatoid factor test is an indication of SLE, but other tests and observations are required to definitively diagnose the problem.
