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19 February, 2009

AUTO-ANTIBODY TESTS IN SLE[LUPUS]

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Today,I'll present a brief discussion about the auto-antibody tests used for the diagnosis and assessing the chance of complications in LUPUS[SLE].In this post I'll discuss about ANA,anti-dsDNA,anti-SM,anti-Phospholipid antibody and anti-Ro antibody.

The usual initial antibody to be tested is ANA[anti-nuclear antibody].This test is very sensitive that is ANA is positive in vast majority of individuals with SLE.Although ANA NEGATIVE LUPUS may occur,in very rare occasions.

Anti-dsDNA[antibody to double stranded DNA] tests is a very specific test for LUPUS.By specificity it means,that if anti-dsDNA test is positive,there is high chance of the individual having LUPUS[SLE].But the problem with this test ...

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is,anti-dsDNA test is not very sensitive that is,this test is not positive in all individuals with LUPUS.

Anti-SM antibody test is also a very specific test for lupus.

aPL or anti-phospholipid antibody test identify individuals who are at risk of complications like reduced platlet count[thrombocytoenia],fetal loss,clotting within the blood vessels[arterial or venous thrombosis]

Anti-Ro antibodies test,when positive,ascertain higher risk of neonatal lupus,sicca syndrome etc.

For any more information on this, please consult your doctor or you may post in the comment section.


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18 February, 2009

GASTRO-INTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN LUPUS

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In today's post i,ll try to explain the gastro-intestinal symptoms in LUPUS.By gastro-intestinal symptoms it means the symptoms produced by the organs located within the abdomen.

During acute flares of SLE there may be symptoms like nausea,vomiting,abdominal pain etc.

Occasionally there may be attacks of abdominal pain due to autoimmune peritonitis, which may sometime occur in SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus]

But the most dangerous gastro-intestinal involvement in LUPUS is vasculits involving
the blood vessels of the gut.It may present with ischemia[reduction of blood supply to portions of the gut].This may lead to perforation of the gut,bleeding and even sepsis.Vasculitis of the intestine usually requires aggressive immunotherapy for control.

For any more information on this, please consult your doctor or you may post in the comment section.

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