High ANA, indeterminate dsDNA, slight rash...

Question  Thanks for having a form like this on the website!

I have had a slight rash, on my forehead, for 21 months now, and we have just now tested me, finally, for lupus. I had Immunoglobulin tests, CBC, hormones, and an ANA test.

All was well until the ANA, which came out speckled at 1:640. So, I just took a lupus panel, which came out 6 (reference range for dsDNA Autoantibodies = <5 - not detected, 5-10 = indeterminate, greater than 10 = detected).

So, I'm ANA positive, but dsDNA is indeterminate. I feel great with no other symptoms. What should I do now, go on Plaquenil for the rash, or seek out other causes for that?

Or have further tests??

Thanks again.
 
Answer  You need to discuss with your rheumatologist. If the rash is significant, Plaquenil would be reasonable or if mild perhaps a trial of some topical steroid cream. If you have no other symptoms, you may wish to adopt a wait and see approach, but I would urge you to follow-up with your rheumatologist at regular intervals for exam and blood and urine tests.

Last update: 12:12 AM Thursday, April 26, 2007

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Author:

Alan Matsumoto, M.D.

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