what does a positive RNP antibody mean

HI,
I recently had blood work done which showed a positive ana result and elevated c reactive protein. They did some further testing and found I had a positive RNP sresult. What does this mean and what could cause it? Also should I be on any medication after these findings?

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

Antibodies against ribonucleoproteins are found in mixed connective tissue diseases, such as Lupus, inflammatory muscle disease and Scleroderma and form part of the diagnostic tests for these diseases.   High RNP titers are also often found in RA, Sjogren’s Syndrome, MS and other diseases but are not considered characteristic for these diseases.

Anti-RNP are considered autoimmune antibodies and come about when cells die and their nuclear components are released into the surrounding environment where they can trigger an antibody response.  Such findings are considered diagnostic and specific treatments for this do not exist to my knowledge.

[kimdenise]

A related discussion, Positive RNP was started.

[cortezcorky]

A related discussion, high rnp and crp was started.