Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) 1. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result of 1:80 indicates a low level of antibodies present in your system. While your previous result was negative, the current result suggests that there may be some level of antibodies, but it is still consider...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. If two years ago the result was NEGATIVE and now it is 1:80X(-), does this indicate that there are some antibodies present in the body? --> Yes, it indicates that there has been an increase in antibodies. 2. Previ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Chronic urticaria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if chronic urticaria can only be managed with medication. I have been taking antihistamines for over two months, and during that time, I felt fine without itching, although sometimes my skin would be a bit red. A few years ago,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The result of the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is acceptable; although it is marked as positive, the value is still within an acceptable range according to rheumatology standards, so there is no need to worry too much. Regarding chronic urti...[Read More] Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Four months ago, the patient developed a rash on the skin and underwent numerous immunological tests. The results showed C1q 24.2, C1c 24.2, C3 73, PL-12 (++), WBC 3600, platelet count 129,000, and urine tests were negative. ANA, dsDNA, pANCA, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The examination data you provided is insufficient, so I cannot offer any recommendations based on these results. However, I believe that a negative ANA (antinuclear antibody) test reduces the likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus and increa...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test results? Hello Doctor: My ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result is 1:40, but the report notes that there are speckles in the blood. Does this indicate that I have a rheumatic-related disease? I have been having sleep issues for over three mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. An ANA antibody result below 1:80 is generally considered normal. However, during the interpretation of the test, abnormalities can be observed at a dilution of 1:40, which is why some laboratories may report 1:40 as abnormal. We typically cons...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Positive ANA test result? Hello, the results of your immunological tests show a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) with a titer of 1:40 and a pattern described as dense fine speckled. This indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which can be associated with autoimmune ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This is considered normal, and you can follow up in six months or more. If any new rheumatic symptoms arise during this period, please return for an earlier consultation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital,...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Antinuclear Antibody (Indirect Immunofluorescence) Report I had this report done at the end of last year because I have been experiencing itchy and painful bones for many years, so I underwent a thorough examination. In my report, there are two highlighted results. One is the ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The general value should be less than 1:40. What does it mean if my value is so high? Is there a possibility of developing a disease? --> Generally, a value of 1:1280 is considered high, and we would conduct furthe...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Generalized joint pain and bone itching? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing joint pain and itching for about ten years. The itching sensation in my bones makes me feel restless, constantly wanting to move or twist them. The joint pain can come on suddenly and last for quite a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: I would like to ask if this situation is similar to rheumatoid arthritis? Is it possible for my values to decrease? Is the frequent pain in my joints and itching in my bones due to an issue with my immune system...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Understanding High ANA Levels: Impact on Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I previously experienced a pregnancy loss due to fetal cardiac arrest. After that, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department for blood tests and found that my ANA (antinuclear antibody) level wa...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many reasons for fetal demise, and immune dysfunction is just one small factor. In cases related to immune dysfunction, it is important to consult with your physician, as there are other tests that can be performed in addition to the ...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Levels: Impact on Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
ANA positive homogeneous 1:160+ with normal C3 and C4 complement levels? Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed hives and visited the rheumatology and immunology department. After blood tests, it was found that my ANA was positive with a homogeneous pattern at 1:160. Other tests for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can occur in healthy individuals as well. To confirm this possibility, we will investigate the reasons for a positive ANA, including the series of tests you mentioned. If these tests return negative res...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Hello Dr. Tseng! I have been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, and I have some questions to ask: 1. Is an ANA (antinuclear antibody) titer of 1:80 (+) and Cyto-C, SSA at 280 (+) considered severe? 2. What does Cyto-C refer to? 3. Is it possible...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1. ANA and SSA are only for diagnostic reference; their values are not necessarily related to the severity of the condition. 2. I'm not sure what Cyto-C is. 3. The SSA index can fluctuate, and it can certainly decrease. 4. If you experience dry mouth or...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) My blood test result is 1:80. I would like to know if this is normal or if further testing is needed.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
AANA titer of 1:80 is considered weakly positive, which may be normal, but a small number of cases could indicate an issue that requires further differential diagnosis. There are many specific tests that need to be conducted, which I won't detail here. Please consult a rheum...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's syndrome Thank you, doctor! I am a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and have some questions to ask: 1. My SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Does this mean my level is high? After treatment for a period of time, will my bloo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Is this considered high? Will it decrease after treatment? --> It is elevated, but the elevation does not correlate with the severity of th...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights