Do Quinine and Hydroxychloroquine Cause Severe Hair Loss?
Does taking Azithromycin and Quinine cause severe hair loss? Hello doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. I am currently taking quinine (two tablets a day) and azathioprine (one tablet a day). Recently, I have been experiencing increased hair loss. I would like...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that disease activity may potentially lead to hair loss; considering the side effects of medications, among the drugs you mentioned, quinine has a higher likelihood of causing hair loss. To differentiate the cause, you can ask your ph...[Read More] Do Quinine and Hydroxychloroquine Cause Severe Hair Loss?
Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Inquiry about complement C1Q? The C1q-CIC value is 8.2, which is considered equivocal based on the reference values (Negative: < 4.4 μg Eq/ml; Equivocal: 4.4 - <10.8 μg Eq/ml; Positive: >= 10.8 μg Eq/ml). Currently, there are no autoimmune diseases, with negative antinuc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. C1q is a protein related to immune function in the body, while CIC (Circulating Immune Complex) refers to immune complexes circulating in the blood, which are protein aggregates formed by antibodies and antigens. In principle, the body normally...[Read More] Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Follow-up questions regarding complement system? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response. In your previous article, you mentioned that complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. For normal individuals, it is related...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Are you asking if low complement levels in healthy individuals could increase their likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases in the future, or if individuals who already have autoimmune diseases could have low co...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
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 Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) issues? Hello Doctor, my blood test report shows an ANA antibody titer of 1:80 with Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled. In a second test at a different hospital, the ANA was 40 (-). The doctor said there are no antibodies, and the anti-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The first test showed an ANA titer of 1:80, but the second test showed none at all. Does this mean there is a higher chance of being negative and healthy? --> I believe the antibody levels may be low, which can le...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer 1:80 inquiry? Hello, Director. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. In October of last year, I had a blood test at Taichung Veterans General Hospital that revealed an ANA titer of 1:80 (the hospital considers...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible that the abnormal ANA antibodies in October are caused by thyroid antibodies? --> Yes, it is possible. Since ANA is a comprehensive screening antibody, when weakly positive or positive, it should be...[Read More] Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
Patients with lupus develop shingles? Hello, I would like to ask if a family member has lupus erythematosus and recently developed shingles. After visiting the clinic and starting medication, they noticed that the rash has been spreading more over the past two days. Is this a nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Patients with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, which compromise the immune system, are indeed more susceptible to developing shingles. Even with pharmacological treatment, shingles can progress through various stages, including an increase in the number of lesions, d...[Read More] Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
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 Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA: Speckled 1:640 HLA-B27: Negative E.S.R: 61 Basophils: 1.0 Eosinophils: 1.0 Hemoglobin (Hb): 11.9 Hematocrit (Hct): 36.1 Lymphocytes: 28.2 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 25.3 Mean Corpuscular Hemogl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question regarding elevated ANA and ESR levels indicates that it is essential to further investigate the cause of the elevated ANA. Additional tests may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis, and I recommend consulting a rheumatologist for...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
cutaneous lupus Hello Doctor, I am currently in Germany. I have a large area of redness and swelling near my knee on my thigh, resembling a bruise, and it is itchy. Additionally, I have experienced hair loss and itching on my scalp in the past, but I'm not sure if it's ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Cutaneous lupus may gradually develop into systemic manifestations, which is known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, it is essential to have regular check-ups to determine whether the symptoms remain confined to the skin or if th...[Read More] Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Steroid Usage: Timing, Dosage, and Long-Term Effects
Steroid Administration Timing and Dosage Instructions Hello, Doctor. I have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and I am currently 31 years old. I was diagnosed with SLE and began treatment about 9 years ago. Currently, I take the following medications daily: 200 mg of Plaquenil (...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding steroids, some physicians recommend taking three pills in the morning and two in the afternoon. However, sometimes when I am busier or wake up later, I take three pills within 30 minutes to 1 hour after a me...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Usage: Timing, Dosage, and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Results of rheumatologic and immunological blood tests? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms for three months, along with pain in my index finger. Orthopedic rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I had blood tests ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this test value can only indicate a possible presence of lupus erythematosus; however, a diagnosis requires clinical symptoms combined with other values to calculate an overall score for confirmation. Based on your description, the symptoms do not seem to align closely, so...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Regarding the inflammatory marker CRP (C-reactive protein)? Hello doctor, I am a patient with SLE. In the past two to three years, I have noticed that my hs-CRP levels in blood tests seem to be elevated, ranging from 30 to 45. However, my doctor hasn't mentioned anything spe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Was your CRP measured in Taiwan? In Taiwan, the unit for testing is often mg/dL, but the values rarely exceed 30. If it does, it may indicate a more severe inflammation or infection, and physicians typically investigate the cause further. There...[Read More] Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
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
Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
ANTI SMD Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a single anti-Smith antibody (anti-Sm) level that was elevated at approximately 13, which later decreased to 8 after a year of medication. What does this signify clinically? Other lupus-related antibodies, such as anti-nuclear anti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. What does it mean clinically if a single anti-SmD level was elevated at approximately 13 and later decreased to 8 after one year of medication? Anti-SmD is a specific antibody for Systemic Lupus ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Understanding Elevated Anti-DNA Levels in Lupus Patients: Key Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Anti-DNA Hello, Doctor. I have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for about 10 years, with my last flare affecting my kidneys three years ago. Since then, my condition has been stable, and for the past few months, my proteinuria has...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Anti-dsDNA levels are associated with disease activity in lupus. When assessing the activity of lupus, in addition to evaluating the patient's symptoms, we also refer to blood and urine test results. The indicators we examine include white...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Anti-DNA Levels in Lupus Patients: Key Insights