However, 22.7% of patients with RA had persistent inflammation as measured by CRP, compared with 11.3% of those with SpA (p = 0.008) during the 5 years prior to the cut-off date, as well as higher CRP levels at the cut-off (p = 0.029) and a greater mean CRP value during the previous 5 years (p < 0.001). This evidence concerns the gene CRP and rheumatoid arthritis.