is this Lupus??

I have had chronic EBV for several years. I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I have been feeling worse lately, so I contacted a wellness center to see if they could help me since there is no cure for chronic EBV. They ran several blood tests on me. Here are the results-Positive ANA,  Smith Antibodies are above normal at 1.2, with a normal range of 0-0.9,  Antichromatin Antibodies was high at 2.6, with the normal range being 0-0.9. RA factor was negative,  vitamin D very low at 24.1, with the normal range being 32-100,  WBC was only 2.7, normal range being 4-10.5,  and finally, my ferrititn was low at only 7, normal range being 10-291.

The wellness center has said that I have Lupus nephritis. They decided that after seeing the smith and the antichromatin antibodies, my white blood cell counts, and my positvie ANA. Does anyone think this sounds right? I have an appointment with a Rhuem, but not until May 6th. I'd really like to know now what is going on, especially if it is Lupus nephritis.

Carisa

[karajo]

Hi Carisa,
Your babies are beautiful!  I know you are enjoying these precious gifts from God.  I too went through some infertility treatments.  I have two boys, but they were three years apart.  

What was you ANA level?  And pattern?

Actually the anti Sm is very specific in dx of lupus. (SLE)  

I'm not as familar w/ the antichromatin levels.  I've heard about them though.  This must be a fairly new test they are doing.  Ask your rhemy when you see him/her.  

Lupus Nephritis - Have they done a urinalysis?  In nephrotis syndrome, the kidney spills large amounts of protein due to a filtering defect and serum albumin levels become very low.  Usually ankle and abdomen will swell when this happens, and should be aggressively treated.  Usually the BUN or creatinine are elevated.

Low WBC - This is mentioned in the 11 criteria for a lupus dx.  Check this web site out:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-white-blood-cell-count/MY00162/DSECTION=causes

There are 11 criteria for a lupus dx.  You must have at least 4 of the 11 to recieve a dx.

They are:
1. malar rash over cheeks (butterfly rash)
2. discoid rash, red raised patches
3. photosensitivity - reaction to sunlight, resulting in skin rash
4. oral and nose ulcers
5. arthritis
6. serositis - inflamation (inflammation) of the lining of the lung or heart
7. reanl disorder - excessive protein in urine and/or cellular casts
8. neurologic disorder - seizures, or psychosis
9. anemia or low white blood count or lymphopenia or low platelet count
10. positive ANA
11. positive anti-DNA or anti-Sm, or antiphospholipid antibody or false pos. syphilis test

Other symptoms are:
fever
abdominal pain
chest pain
shortness of breath
blood in urine
hair falling out
fatigue
muscle pain and weakness
dizziness
poor memory
headaches
poor circulation in fingers and toes
tingling in extremities
diarrhea
bloating
nausea
weight loss
abdominal pain
blurred vision
depression
palpitations
raynauds (where fingers turn white when cold)
intollerance to cold
sore throat
...to name a few

Keep in mind that fibromyalgia, CFS, MS and lymes disease also have similar symptoms.  

God bless, Kara

[carisa]

I don't know what the ANA level or pattern was. I just know that it was positive. I didn't know that there was a difference! I've looked at my lab results and it just says "positive." They have not checked my urine. I don't have my Rhemy appointment until May 6th. So all of this waiting around is making me crazy. I've looked at my lab sheets and it shows my BUN is normal, but my creatinine is slightly low, but not too low. It's only one point below normal.

I do have some of the criteria needed to diagnose Lupus, but only five. I have positive ANA, positive Smith, I have anemia, low wbc, and photosensitivity. My Smith antibody is only 1.2, with the normal range being from 0.0-0.09. So it is over, but not significantly. Of the other symptoms you've written, I have low grade fevers periodically, extreme fatigue, but then again, I do have chronic EBV. I have dizziness, nausea, palpitations, shortness of breath, and occasional hair loss.

I just can't wait until my appointment so I can know what is going on. What do you think?

Carisa