How do you approach interpreting a low titer dsDNA (such as crithidia 1:40 to 1:80) in the setting of a moderately elevated ANA without other specific features of SLE?
For example, the patient may have other findings such as an elevated CRP. Would you diagnose SLE, or would you want to see other serologies or findings such as low complements?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Rheumatology · Berkshire Health Systems
Answered on
Serologies are not a diagnosis nor are they diagnostic. This patient does not NOW have lupus. Are there first-degree relatives with SLE? Does this patient have any other autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto thyroiditis?
What to do? Follow-up and education. Routine follow-up and welcome phone calls to...
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Rheumatology · Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)
Answered on · Updated on
We can see this scenario in numerous situations, such as in patients with Raynaud's, peripheral neuropathy (and numerous other neurologic manifestations), nonspecific rashes (e.g. vasculitis, livedo reticularis, idiopathic urticaria, etc), idiopathic anemia of inflammation, polyarthralgia without ob...
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