Ankle swelling and inflammation after Pregnancy

 

Question  I have had swelling and inflammation in my left ankle for over a year, which started when I was five months pregnant with my daughter - she is now ten months old and there is no sign of it disappearing. My doctor ordered bloodtests, the results from December show an ANA of 1:640 with a smooth staining pattern, ESR rate of 24mm/h, Plasma C Reactive Protein 13.0mg/l, FBC Normal, White cell count normal, liver function normal, HLA B27 antigen normal. The most recent test in April shows anti-cardiolipin antibody rate normal, a slightly elevated Plasma C level of 15.0mg/l, FBC and white cell normal, ESR rate 39mm/h. Can you tell me what this means - I have no other symptoms whatsoever and am healthy apart from the swollen ankle?
 
Answer  We can't provide diagnoses on-line.  Usually a careful history and physical examination are needed.  Also, a rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP tests would be of interest.  Sometimes different kinds of arthritis need time to fully develop in order to identify their cause.  An ANA titer of 1:640 is significant though and one should always consider lupus seriously in a young woman with arthritis and positive ANA.

Last update: 02:14 PM Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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Author:

Joan Bathon, M.D.

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