Questions & Answers

Q&A

Answered by Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida

What is the reason for positive antinuclear antibodies as I am diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and Hashimoto's disease?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. ANA (antinuclear antibodies) is a general screening test for autoimmune diseases mainly lupus. Your anemia and photosensitivity raise the concern of possible lupus, especially at your age. However, this test is not enough for diagnosis. You need more tests that can be ordered by your general physician.

June 25, 2026

Why do the pain and swelling in the joints worsen?

Hi,Welcome to icliniq.com.I understand your concern.Seeing your weight, this might be early osteoarthritis. However, if there is swelling, we need to tap the knee and get the fluid. I suggest taking some laboratory tests to rule out rheumatoid arthritis-like ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), RA (rheumatoid arthritis) latex turbid test, and anti-CCP (cyclic citrulinated peptide).

June 24, 2026

What are the complications of post COVID infection?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Thank you for your query. This is obviously a post covid viral arthritis caused by the infection that you had, and it gives the same presentation as sacroiliitis and other autoimmune diseases. We call it reactive arthritis, and it takes time to heal.

March 25, 2026

Could secondary Sjögren’s cause lymphoma or other issues?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Do not worry, as you are receiving the best treatment for dermatomyositis. Secondary Sjogren's syndrome is a very common autoimmune disease. Being on tablet Cellcept (Mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg) is more than enough to prevent complications of Sjogren's syndrome.

March 9, 2026

Is osteoarthritis knee pain treatment useful in men aged 48?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understood your concern. The first medications used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) pain include: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve). Topical medications can also be used. Injections of corticosteroids (Cortisone shots) or Hyaluronic acid into the affected joint are often helpful.

February 27, 2026

What could be the reason for my constant muscle twitching in both calves?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. ANA (antinuclear antibody) is a very delicate test and depends on the substrate used for testing. Some laboratories use primate substrate, and this yields a false-positive result. DFS 70 (dense fine speckled antibody) confirms that ANA might be related to an actual rheumatological disease. If positive, it is more likely to be benign.

August 11, 2025

When can a patient suffering from dermatomyositis expect their CPK levels to become normal?

Hello. Welcome to icliniq.com. From the reports attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), I can see that her creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level has improved and is almost normal. This is mainly due to high-dose Prednisone and IVIG (intravenous immune globulin). Her current dose of Azathioprine is lower than what she should take.

March 17, 2025

Is it possible to have Sjogren's syndrome if lab reports show positive anti-SSA, anti-SSB, and rheumatoid factors?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I doubt you have hepatitis C because the test is negative. It is common to have Sjogren's syndrome with positive anti-SSA (Sjogren's syndrome A), anti-SSB (Sjogren's syndrome B), and rheumatoid factor (RF). It all depends on your symptoms. Do you experience dryness in the mouth or eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? Do you have joint pain or swelling?.

October 16, 2024

Why do I have lower body pain with stiffness, tiredness, and weakness for more than three months?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I saw your blood reports (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). There is a slight increase in ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) that is non-specific. However, your symptoms suggest an underlying neuromuscular disorder. There is an entity called seronegative arthritis.

December 14, 2023

Does vasculitis increase the risk of COVID-19?

Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.You have absolutely no risk for vasculitis (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). These tests are for a very rare type of vasculitis, and fortunately, they are negative. Concerning your lupus, it was mild, and it is expected that the disease goes into a dormant phase after treatment when it is mild. Interstitial cystitis is also a manifestation of lupus.

November 10, 2023

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