Anti-nuclear factor levels

[Funkyweirdo]

Hi all, this is my first time posting here. I'm wondering whether anyone can help me make sense of blood results. Anti-nuclear Factor DNA states positive. Specifically Anti-RO60 which is 26.0.I have some typical symptoms of Lupus including butterfly rash on face and develop itchy rash on exposed skin in sunlight. Better with suncream.

Diagnosed with CFS over 10 years ago when I suffered ongoing debilitating fatigue following a virus.

I know my blood tests indicate Lupus but could they be something else, or ate they specific for Lupus?

Many thanks.

[OldTed60]

Hello. Firstly I should start by saying that I don’t have Lupus but I do have Sjogren’s and systemic sclerosis/ scleroderma. But both communities are quieter so I sometimes come here as well.

Answer anti Ro antibody can be associated with Lupus but is more frequently found in Sjogren’s. The chronic fatigue and even butterfly rashes are common overlap symptoms with both. You definitely need to be referred to rheumatology to get more clarity - if you haven’t already been. Best of luck 😊

[Allingham60]

Hi, I have Sjogren's with positive anti Ro antibodies, and my sister, who has lupus, also has anti Ro. As Old Ted says, anti Ro is more specific for Sjogren's but can also be positive in lupus.

[ExpatRay]

Anti ro60 could be SLE or Sjogren's disease or both . It associates with skin lesions, photosensitivity,lung disease or haematological cytopaenias.

Don't wish to panic you by this general description but looks like you need your doctor to look closer to be more specific and eliminate above possibles as appropriate.

[Funkyweirdo]

Thank you all for this. You've helped clarify for me, as hours of googling and still confused. Yes been referred to rheumatology but told it could be a year of waiting.

Really appreciate your help.

Thank you.

[cathie]

About ten years ago I developed a horrible rash/reaction on my face. I was referred to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where they ruled out lupus and identified a reaction between sunlight and perfumed skin cream. I just use E45 and similar on my skin since and limit the amount of sun exposure too and its stopped. So that is worth exploring, just to stop using expensive skin cream - my skin hasnt suffered either incidentally!

[puffyface]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear this, but you definitely need to see a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Can you go privately to start with. I did that first of all and she now sees me every 6 months on the nhs.

As far as I understand a positive ANA means a good likelihood of autoimmune disease. Do you know what that number was? It would be 1.640 or 1.1280 or something like that.

Anti Ro antibody is associated with both Sjögrens and SLE. It results in skin issues such as photosensitivity, rashes etc.

As I understand it a positive DNA is more specific to SLE.

The whole picture is very complicated, but once you have seen a rheumatologist, you will have a better understanding of what is going on.

Good luck with it all. 😊

[Funkyweirdo in reply to puffyface]

Thank you. Yes I need to get on this. I have a referral to rheumatologist but when I chased up the referral was considered a routine one. It stated it was for Rheumatoid arthritis - which was wrong so I need to get back on with GP to at least ensure the department aware of what referral should have stated. I'm certain everyone here has experienced the need to follow things up with health professionals, NHS so stretched no wonder mistakes are made and waiting lists feel endless!

[Abychatcats]

I tested positive for anti ro recently and have symptoms which could match either Lupus or sjogrens. My Doctor say it could be either and has referred me to a rheumatologist.