HomeAnswersRheumatologysystemic lupus erythematosusIs an elevated level of dsDNA antibody a risk factor for lupus?

I have nerve pain, and my blood report shows a high level of ds DNA antibody. What could it be?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At October 4, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 8, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have nerve pain, fasciculations, and headaches. I am currently on Lisinopril 20, Amlodipine 5, Paxil 20, and Remeron 15. My blood report shows that I have a dsDNA antibody.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Anti-dsDNA positivity implies that it is probably lupus. I suppose you have positive ANA (antinuclear antibody). Now, I need the following answers:

1. I need a detailed history of your symptoms.

2. Do you have any oral ulcers?

3. Do you have any photosensitive rashes on your face?

4. Do you have any joint pains?

Revert with the asked details for better help.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have muscle twitches and there are no oral ulcers or rashes on my face. Also, I do not have any carpal tunnel-like symptoms. My ANA test report is negative.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In this case, you do not need intensive treatment.

Please discuss with your doctor to prescribe you Hydroxychloroquine as it helps limit the further complications of lupus.

You can also ask for Levocarnitine, Calcium, and Vitamin D3.

I hope it helps.

If you have any further queries, please ask me.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your quick reply.

So you mean this is lupus?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Theoretically, positive Anti-dsDNA means lupus. But we need to see other symptoms too. ANA can be a false positive, but Anti-dsDNA is usually not.

If there are no symptoms, then no need to treat it intensively. So the best is to take Hydroxychloroquine because no intensive treatment is warranted.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your reply.

So do I get a lupus diagnosis, or are we just treating the Anti-dsDNA?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Anti-dsDNA is one of the diagnostic criteria of lupus. It is not that everyone with lupus will have all the symptoms. So, I would say you have lupus, but that does not require intense treatment. Now, you would also need a few more investigations related to it that includes mainly kidney function test, urine routine and microscopy. If that is fine, you would need Hcqs (Hydroxychloroquine) only, which would slow down the progression of disease.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor,

My Rheumatologist will not make a diagnosis. My other tests were normal. Could it possibly be anything else?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, Anti-dsDNA is highly suggestive of lupus. But, whether it requires treatment or not completely depend on other system involvements.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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