Purpose: to examine the possibility of using the onco-protein survivin as a predictive biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis within a cohort of patients seeking treatment for joint pain/stiffness. Secondly, to study survivin as a prognostic marker for joint destruction, refractory and highly active disease in patients with established RA.

The study will analyse survivin levels in a non-selected material within a cohort of patients seeking help at their primary health care for joint pain, stiffness, swelling etc. Patients presenting with such symptoms (not explained by injury or other factors) are suspected to have an arthritic condition such as RA, and are routinely tested for presence of autoantibodies RF and ACPA. In this observational study we add measurement for survivin to the blood analyses of these patients. Information about patients expressing high levels of survivin will be reported to the referring doctor at the primary health care, and for patients not previously having been examined by a rheumatologist this will be offered.

The study will be performed at Sahlgrenska university hospital Gothenburg and Umeå university hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients seeking treatment at the primary health care for problems with their joints (pain, stiffness).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with RA

Patients seeking treatment at the primary health care for problems with their joints (pain, stiffness).