Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis and autoantibodies? Hello Doctor, my son is currently over 18 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. The notes below are from a previous examination report at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Although ankylosing spondyliti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Although ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, it does not mean that patients with ankylosing spondylitis will necessarily have autoantibodies, correct? --> Yes. 2) According to the attached report, does m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Inquiry about blood test results? Dear Doctor, I currently have no immune-related symptoms, but I am concerned about the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in my blood test results. I would like to ask you some related questions. Recently, my blood test report showed an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future? --> Currently, it seems unlikely. 2. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:80 was detected, but all specific antibodies rel...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? This is my second follow-up report, and the ANA titer is still 1:640, the same as the first time. All other further examination indices are normal. The doctor said that my two 640 results are quite high, which suggests that I likely have system...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus involves not only the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test but also the evaluation of other clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators. In addition to your current test results, you may discuss with your physici...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Blood test results? Other test data source: Test category: Sorted items: Test item name: All. Rotating the mobile screen horizontally will display more data. Test Date | Test Item Name | Test Result 110/08/13 | HCT | 43.5 110/08/13 | HGB | 13.2 110/08/13 | MCH | 21.0 11...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report: 1. Your blood glucose level is elevated. If this was a fasting blood test, it is recommended to visit a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes. 2. Your oxygen saturation is low, but it is unclear whether the sample was drawn from an arter...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
1:80X(-) Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a type of autoantibody that target substances within the nucleus of cells. The values obtained from the indirect immunofluorescence assay indicate the presence and concentration of these antibodies in the blood. A positive ANA test can su...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test starts with a dilution of 1:80. If the result is negative at this initial dilution, it will be reported as negative (-), indicating a normal result. If there is a positive reaction at 1:80, further dilutions ...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Unexplained fever with low-grade temperature, unintentional weight loss, and joint and muscle pain? Hello, doctor. I have undergone numerous tests in the infectious disease department, and the only abnormal finding was a slightly elevated cancer marker (for reference only) and a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does align with the situation of "fever of unknown origin." We should indeed be cautious about atypical infections or bone marrow issues. Therefore, I agree with your infectious disease physician's recommendation to conduct furt...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and the Role of Mycophenolate
Sjögren's syndrome and myositis? Dear Doctor, I am 51 years old and was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome in 2015. My main symptoms include dry eyes, mild vasculitis in the lower extremities, weight loss, and a white blood cell count of approximately 2800 to 3500. So f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello SUNNY, thank you for your message. The disease activity of Sjögren's syndrome is related to clinical symptoms (such as gland swelling and new vasculitis lesions) and laboratory results; however, changes in antinuclear antibody levels do not necessarily indicate disease...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and the Role of Mycophenolate
Understanding ANA Titer Results: When to Seek Further Immune Testing
ANA titer issue? Hello, the ANA titer in the blood test report is 1:80, and my body temperature has been slightly elevated (around 37.3°C) for the past few weeks. My palms feel very warm, and my face often appears flushed. Should I undergo additional immunological tests?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your blood test report, the ANA (antinuclear antibody) level is elevated. Regardless of whether there are accompanying clinical symptoms, it is indeed recommended that you seek early follow-up and further diagnostic evaluation with a rheumatology specialist.[Read More] Understanding ANA Titer Results: When to Seek Further Immune Testing
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Immune system Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mouth ulcers, throat pain, and gum pain since last month, and they haven't improved. A doctor suggested that I see an immunologist. Below are my health check reports: the report from April this year [link] and the immunolo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the two blood test reports you provided, there are no abnormalities indicated, and the symptoms you described do not have any clear association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally speaking, different laboratories may have variations in measurement values ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
What is the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. At the beginning of April this year, I woke up one day with pain and stiffness in my shoulders and neck, making it almost impossible to turn my head normally. This lasted for more than a week, but then it gradua...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, the likelihood of you having ankylosing spondylitis is very low, so there is no need to worry; I believe your travel plans should not be affected. However, the issue of night sweats and fever still needs to be addressed....[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Blood test issues Hello, Dr. Gao. During a urine test at an external laboratory, my kidney function test showed an abnormal urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 30-300 (normal value is <30). In a blood test, one of the serum immunology tests, ANA (antinuclear antibody), showed...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. An ANA test result of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range. You only need to have the test results evaluated by a physician. The physician will determine whether further action is necessary based on any related symptoms you may have. The Allergy,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Inquiry about the significance of the test? Hello, doctor. In the past, I tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during a health check, so my company has been adding this test to my annual examinations. About 6-7 years ago, I consulted a rheumatologist who mentioned that s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Albumin is naturally more abundant than globulin, so a slight increase is not a concern. 2. An ANA titer of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 3. For a positive rheumatoid arthritis (...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing due to lupus. Lupus, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can have a genetic component, which means there may be an increased risk of developing the condition if a family member has it. I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), only a small number of cases exhibit hereditary patterns, so there is no need to worry. The clinical symptoms of lupus can be quite diverse. Possible symptoms include: fever, fatigue, joint pain or arthritis, facial ras...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Understanding Fluctuations in ANA Antibody Test Results: A Patient's Dilemma
excuse me? Hello, I received different results for the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test from Renai Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital within the same week. One result was 1:320+ and the other was 1:40+. Three years ago, my result was also 1:320+. I consulted Dr. Wu Y...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) results can vary between different laboratories, which is related to the testing methods and the experience of the laboratory personnel. Generally, manual testing methods are considered the most accurate, but this als...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in ANA Antibody Test Results: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Lupus: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: Previously, my ANA test result was 1:160, and the attending physician believed that I do not have SLE, considering my facial rash to be seborrheic dermatitis. Therefore, I have not continued follow-up or medication for nearly a yea...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello Summer: There are specific diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test alone does not confirm the diagnosis. Recently, you have experienced oral ulcers and joint pain; please refrain from self-medicating and see...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Persistent Knee Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options
Leg fatigue? Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions. I am 48 years old, and three years ago, I started feeling soreness in my knees (the kind of feeling as if I had been standing all day). When it is severe, I feel sore in the morning upon waking up; when it is mi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Knee pain without swelling, heat, or tenderness indicates that arthritis has not yet developed. Vepesid is a nutritional metabolic agent for joint cartilage and is very popular in the United States, primarily used for patients with degenerative joint conditions. You may co...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Knee Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options