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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Symptoms Of Lupus?

I have inflammatory erosive osteoarthritis, according to my Rheumatologist, and recently had a rash that lasted over 4 months, while using Triamcinolone Acetonide cream USP, 0.1%, prednisone (5 mg/day), and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg 2x per day. My Dermatologist tested for ANA (positive, 1:4), and anti-Smith Antibodies (positive, 155), along with skin biopsies. They seem to feel the above 2 blood test results together were a fairly strong indicator of Lupus, or at least an autoimmune connective tissue disease, in addition to all the other blood tests and urinanalysis I had done, which also show inflammatory factors. Is it really likely that I do have Lupus?
Tue, 16 Jan 2018
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Oncologist,  's  Response
Hello,
If u want answer in short then yes.
Lupus or SLE is I would say a best example of autoimmune condition in which body acts against its own. Symptoms of lupus are very wide as it can affect almost any organ in body. But usually it is said to affect young to middle age women. Usually starts with joint pains, swelling of hands, redness or rash over face, photosensitivity.
This is the time lupus is commonly suspected. Along with routine blood work what I usually do is order and ANA, urine analysis and dsDNA which can help in diagnosis. As I'm your case you had ANA positive along with anti Smith which is probably 100% specific for SLE.
Based on this I would say your diagnosis is almost clear. You need to undergo few more investigation to assess extent of disease and need for aggressive treatment. I think you should discuss with your rheumatologist regarding same.
I would be happy to answer any of your queries.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Lupus?

Hello, If u want answer in short then yes. Lupus or SLE is I would say a best example of autoimmune condition in which body acts against its own. Symptoms of lupus are very wide as it can affect almost any organ in body. But usually it is said to affect young to middle age women. Usually starts with joint pains, swelling of hands, redness or rash over face, photosensitivity. This is the time lupus is commonly suspected. Along with routine blood work what I usually do is order and ANA, urine analysis and dsDNA which can help in diagnosis. As I m your case you had ANA positive along with anti Smith which is probably 100% specific for SLE. Based on this I would say your diagnosis is almost clear. You need to undergo few more investigation to assess extent of disease and need for aggressive treatment. I think you should discuss with your rheumatologist regarding same. I would be happy to answer any of your queries.