M06: Other rheumatoid arthritis

M06.0: Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis

Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is known for its absence of certain antibodies in the blood that are typically present in the more common seropositive RA. Despite its seronegative status, this form of arthritis can still cause severe joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, similar to seropositive RA. In both variants, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, specifically targeting the lining of joints. This results in inflammation, which can lead to joint damage over time. It's important to note that symptoms of seronegative RA can vary widely from person to person, both in intensity and in which joints are affected. The disease can progress slowly but steadily, or develop more aggressively, with periods of flare-ups and remissions. It is not contagious and occurs most commonly in adults, with an exact cause still unknown.