Positive ANA, dsDNA and Scl70 IgG

[AngelaKay]

Stumbled onto this site doing research. I am in the US. Been ill for years. Just had labs done and ANA came back positive, dsDNA positive at 14 (normal<5) and positive Scl79 IgG at >8 (normal <1.0) Cant see the rheumatologist until April. can you have Lupus as well as scleroderma?

[whisperit]

Hello AngelaKay,

Sorry hat you've not had an answer up till now, and that I can't offer any useful info. A quick websearch turned up an article on the lupusinternational.com site which says:

Lupus & Scleroderma Similarities and Differences

by Daniel J. Wallace M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.R.

Some patients may be told they have lupus by one doctor, only for another consultant to state they have a scleroderma related disorder. How could this be the case? What are the similarities and differences of these conditions?

Scleroderma and l upus are both autoimmune diseases. Both are predominantly found in women and have genetic association, although this is much stronger in lupus. The age of greatest onset is 15 to 45 for lupus and 20 to 60 for scleroderma.

In scleroderma, four pathologic processes are present: inflammation, cross-linking of collagen leading to tight skin, fibrosis or scarring of tissues, and vascular endothelial changes leading to lack of oxygen to the hands and feet. Lupus is primarily an inflammatory process.

Lupus and scleroderma can “cross-over” or have overlapping symptoms and signs. For example, Raynaud’s or esophageal dysfunction is found in 90% with scleroderma but 30% with lupus, swollen joints in half with lupus and 30% with scleroderma, and positive ANA in 98% with lupus and 80% with scleroderma. If anti-RNP is present on blood testing, a patient may have a “mixed connective tissue disease,” especially if puffy hands and Raynaud’s are present. Tight skin is not a feature of lupus and sun sensitivity is not found in scleroderma. Anti-DNA, anti SM, anti Ro (SSA), anti La (SSB), and low complement are blood tests found in lupus whereas scleroder ma patients may have an anti-Scl 70 anti centromere antibody.

Nonsterodial anti-inflammatory drugs and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) help both conditions. Most patients with pure schleroderma do not benefit from corticosteroids. Methotrexate, azathioprine, prednisone or cyclophosphamide help lupus and overlap syndromes, and perhaps scleroderma lung disease. Scleroderma may modestly benefit from d-penicillamine, relaxin, and minocycline, none of which help lupus.

Hope that helps x

[Ihope2]

Hi Angelakay, Great explanation from whisperit, My sister has scleroderma and myself diagnosed with lupus but we have many overlapping symptoms one culprit is Mixed connective tissue disease.Sister with scl. was told 20 years ago that she would be lucky to see another year( not to scare you ) there is promising help in the way of AP(antibiotic protocol) she is now 73 and spunky, full of energy but if she tries to quit her AP symptoms come back. Another protocol we both take is LDN, tricky to get thought.

Hope this helps

Ihope2