In preliminary Cox models adjusted for age and sex, fibrinogen was not associated with arthritis risk (for a unit increase in fibrinogen the hazard ratio [HR] was 1.05, 95% CI = 0.94 to 1.16, p = .39); however, higher levels of log-CRP were significantly associated with increased risk (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.23, p < .001). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is arthritic joint disease.