Determination of anti-ssDNA antibodies is used in the investigation of patients with possible systemic lupus erythematosus.
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DNA-linked antibodies belong to the group of Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) and appear in many autoimmune diseases. Antibodies that react with native double-stranded DNA (ds) are considered specific for systemic lupus erythematosus and occur in 50-80% of these patients. Antibodies against dsDNA are present during the acute phases of lupus erythematosus and their serum concentration may be related to the severity of the disease. Thus, the detection of these autoantibodies is important for the diagnosis and clinical monitoring of the disease and has been established as one of the 11 criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Antibodies against monoclonal (ss) DNA are up to 87% during the acute phase and up to 43% during remissions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. They are not specific to lupus erythematosus because they are also found in other diseases such as infectious mononucleosis (40%), autoimmune hepatitis (58%), acute myeloid leukemia (89%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (chronic leukemia) 60% and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (35-50%).
Symptoms that resemble systemic lupus erythematosus may also be caused by medications. Since anti-ssDNA antibodies are present in up to 50% of patients with medicinal lupus, the determination of antibodies against ssDNA is useful for its differential diagnosis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
