A question regarding dsDNA

[Apple_pie]

Hi all, I have been diagnosed with SLE Jan last year and found lupusuk a few months later. The site and magazines have provided nearly all my knowledge so I am very grateful to all who have contributed to the content.

After my initial treatment with steroids my symptoms subsided and I have not experienced the same pains since (though it has left me rather paranoid) and i believe I understand how to keep it under control.

My question is in relation to the dsDNA. When I was first diagnosed this was around the 800 mark (units/ml) and has been hovering over 200 for the past year. My rheumatologist tells me this is fine as I am not exhibiting any of the symptoms and it is not a key indicator of lupus activity. The normal range would be under 30 units/ml and I would ofcourse prefer to be within this range.

Should I follow my doctors advice and just let it be? And is there anyway to bring it down without going back on the steroids?

[Freckle1000]

Don't just let it be. Perhaps get a second opinion.

I've always considered the anti - dsDNA to be a pretty good indicator of Lupus activity - perhaps I'm old fashioned - or have been assuming the wrong thing all these years ?

When in doubt - always get more medical opinions.

The Doctors have to weigh the pro's and con's of medication effects - vs Lupus activity. A bit of a balancing act. But there are steroid sparing medications out there.

Good luck.

[Bebe76]

Complement levels (C3 and C4) are usually a better I indicator of lupus disease activity. However, if you are not having symptoms and your kidney and liver function tests are fine, your doctor may not give you additional meds. Steroids can cause bone loss and other problems if taken long term so many doctors like to use them sparingly. You should still be having regular blood and urine tests to monitor the disease.