HomeAnswersRheumatologysystemic lupus erythematosusWhat does muscle soreness with positive ANA indicate?

I have muscle soreness with positive ANA and ds-DNA. Is this autoimmune disease?

Share

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. Vinodhini J.

Published At February 26, 2020
Reviewed AtJuly 17, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had some muscular soreness for about one and a half years. I have no other symptoms. Normal hematology, CBC bloodwork always comes out fine. The only thing in the last bloodwork is I had ANA positive with 1:160 homogenous and the DNA (ds) ABS came out as 11 which said it was positive as well. ESR, creatinine, C3, C4 all come out normal. Can you help shed some light on this? I have been googling and it says I could have an auto immune disease. If so, which ones are likely with this bloodwork? I am currently on Nexium, Xanax and Proair when needed.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have mildly positive antinuclear antibody titer which suggests autoimmune disease and Anti-dsDNA (double-stranded DNA) which is slightly above the normal range suggests that you might have SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) but there are 11 other criteria out of which four should be positive to confirm SLE. People who have positive ANA or Anti-ds DNA but cannot fulfill the clinical criteria for SLE need to be followed closely because they are at risk to develop SLE in the future. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ system. Muscular manifestation includes myalgias as in your case. Titers of anti-dsDNA antibodies often fluctuate with disease activity and are therefore useful in many patients following the course of SLE. I would suggest you consult a rheumatologist. You need to take drugs that suppress your immunity. Steroids are the treatment of choice. I would advise repeat testing for both ANA and Anti-dsDNA after one or two months, to look for any change in the titer. Rising titers or very high titers of IgG Anti-dsDNA antibodies are closely associated with impending or already flared SLE.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

Genetic.

Investigations to be done

Anti-dsDNA and ANA titer.

Differential diagnosis

Collagen vascular disease.

Probable diagnosis

SLE.

Treatment plan

Steroids.

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

Dr. Srivastava, Sumit
Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

ana testmuscle spasm

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Rheumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy