Hello all: I have an acquaintance who has presented with the following lab results:
Positive ANA and hi rheumatoid factor, plus
immunoglobulin E, Total 117 Range 0-100
Antiextractable Nuclear Ag RNP Antibodies 1.4 Range 0-.9
The doc says something about lupus being a possibiloty...but we know how those things go. And no one ever asks "Why?"
Anyway,more info needed, BUT, can anyone here help to shed some light on this - as in, what are the odds that Lyme should or would fit into this picture? What would be the next action to take / tests to order, so that this person may get closer to the truth, whatever it may be? (As in, avoiding junk diagnoses, and endless tail-chasing, and dead end streets.)
Thank you all for your kindness and consideration.
Cheers, Dave
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
I have a positive ANA too and my allergist wanted me to go to a rheumotologist. My LLMD said no, it's due to the Lyme.
so you could suggest Lyme testing - I'd start with a Western Blot (NOT an ELISA) through Lab Corp. If that doesn't work, Igenex.
Posted by Jordana (Member # 45305) on :
Lupus is always a possibility, even when there's no positive ANA.
If there is no other specific antibody being made except for anti-RNP then it's really a catchall "autoimmune" issue with no specificity for anything.
IgE can start to ramp up with parasites.
So, yup; Labcorp, then Igenex.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Lyme is very often the CAUSE of lupus. With lyme, the immune system flips in some unusual ways that most doctors are not aware of. -