Genotyping can predict disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients

(European League Against Rheumatism) New cohort studies presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress have shown the amino acid valine at position 11 of HLA-DRB1 gene to be the strongest independent genetic determinant of radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, positions 71 and 74 were found to represent independent predictors, with the three positions together: 11, 71 and 74 strongly associated with disease outcomes.