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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Autoimmune or anything else????
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Autoimmune or anything else????
by bpayne, Mar 02, 2006 12:00AM
Can the following blood test equal any other disease?
Sed rate 25
C-reactive, quant 9
ANA 231
RNP Antibodies 126
Complement C4, serum 41
Sed rate 25
C-reactive, quant 9
ANA 231
RNP Antibodies 126
Complement C4, serum 41
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 03, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 03, 2006 12:00AM
Typically the ANA level is measured as a titer (i.e. 1:32, 1:64, 1:128 etc).
In any case, an elevated ANA level can be suggestive of rheumatic disease. However, since healthy individuals can also present with an elevated ANA (approximately 3 to 30 percent of the population, depending on the strength of the titer).
Lupus is the disease that is most associated with an increased ANA level. An increase in RNP antibodies also suggests a diagnosis of lupus. RNP is also the defining antibody present in mixed connective tissue disease.
These options should be discussed with a rheumatologist for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
In any case, an elevated ANA level can be suggestive of rheumatic disease. However, since healthy individuals can also present with an elevated ANA (approximately 3 to 30 percent of the population, depending on the strength of the titer).
Lupus is the disease that is most associated with an increased ANA level. An increase in RNP antibodies also suggests a diagnosis of lupus. RNP is also the defining antibody present in mixed connective tissue disease.
These options should be discussed with a rheumatologist for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Can you provide more information about your general health?
Any specific symptoms or problems that led to this test?