Question 1

what does it mean to be positive for lupus antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Not much: Having the antibody does not mean having the disease. You may be predisposed to it. Why did your doctor test for it in the first place? It all depends on what symptoms you have. A test by itself does not carry much meaning.

Question 2

since lupus is not an infection you can catch by exposure what does it mean to have lupus antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune : Having the antibodies mean you are predisposed to develop it, it does not mean you have it. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. We don't treat a number or a test, we treat your symptoms and the blood tests help us in making the diagnosis.

Question 3

i have a hard, red, sore lump in between leg and vagina for about 7 days. poked it but no pus, little clear liquid and blood. fatigue/achiness. have fibro, inflammatory arthritis and lupus antibodies.

Accepted Answer

Lump: Could be an early abscess with your history i'd recommend seeing a doc to be sure.

Question 4

i had a positive lupus antibody and was told i would need lifelong warfarin. is this safe?

Accepted Answer

Benefit>risk: The benefits of taking warfarin outweigh the risks if you have lupus and your body produces the lupus anticoagulant.  Warfarin is generally well-tolerated as long as you maintain your INR within specified margins.

Question 5

i got a positive lupus antibody test in june and was told i would need lifelong warfarin. is this accurate?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: If all you had was one positive lupus antibody test, then that is not an indication for treatment with warfarin. To make a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome requires multiple positive tests over time in addition to a clinical finding such as a blood clot or miscarriages.

http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/antiphospholipidsyndrome.asp.

Question 6

could my lupus antibody labs be altered (lower the antiboy level) by me being on 10 mg prednisone.? i'll be on day 3 when labs are drawn .  is it best to be off duing labs?

Accepted Answer

Not significantly: And stopping Prednisone could cause your symptoms to flare. 10 mg of Prednisone is a fairly low dose, less than your adrenal glands make each day. It won't effect any test except possibly your lymphocyte count (part of the CBC & differential) but your physician knows that and will take it into account when reviewing your labwork.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: lupus anticoagulant antibodies?

Accepted Answer

See below: Lupus anticoagulant (la) is an immunoglobulin that binds to phospholipids and proteins associated with the cell membrane. The disease name is a misnomer. La is actually a prothrombotic agent. The presence of la antibodies precipitates the formation of thrombi. The name derives from their properties in vitro, since in lab tests la causes an increase in clotting time.

Question 8

i have lupus anticoagulant antibodies. do i need to worry if i am on coumadin (warfarin)?

Accepted Answer

Coumadin (warfarin) works well!: The cascade of potential thrombosis mechanisms usually caused by acla -f the IgG or IgM class, is virtually blunted the coumadin (warfarin).
So little to worry about, providing someone is checking your protime and inr, to make sure you are in therapeutic range. Heparin and it's newer analogues may work better, but require injection.

Question 9

if i have mixed connective tissue disorder with the lupus anticoagulant antibody can i take nsaids?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The real question is should you be on long term anticoagulation. If you have had a pulmonary embolis, stroke or heart attack, the answer is usually yes andyou might need to treat simultaneously with aspirin, coumadin(rat poiison) and heparin.  Sometimes a very tough disease tocontrol.

Question 10

are  any of the new anticoags useful for factor v leiden and lupus anticoag. antibody. on lovenox (enoxaparin) 100mg bid. venous and arterial clotting and pes. ?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: The newer medications to prevent blood clots are not approved for use in the us for your condition.  There is published research in europe showing that these medications can be used effectively for your type of problem.  My personal bias is that you should wait until more research has been done.  Your doctor can help advise you as to the status of this research as it evolves.

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Doctor answers about:

Lupus antibodies

A member asked:

What does it mean to be positive for lupus antibodies?

A member asked:

Since lupus is not an infection you can catch by exposure what does it mean to have lupus antibodies?

A member asked:

I have a hard, red, sore lump in between leg and vagina for about 7 days. poked it but no pus, little clear liquid and blood. fatigue/achiness. have fibro, inflammatory arthritis and lupus antibodies.

A member asked:

I had a positive lupus antibody and was told i would need lifelong warfarin. is this safe?

A member asked:

I got a positive lupus antibody test in june and was told i would need lifelong warfarin. is this accurate?

A member asked:

Could my lupus antibody labs be altered (lower the antiboy level) by me being on 10 mg prednisone.? i'll be on day 3 when labs are drawn . is it best to be off duing labs?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: lupus anticoagulant antibodies?

A member asked:

I have lupus anticoagulant antibodies. do i need to worry if i am on coumadin (warfarin)?

A member asked:

If i have mixed connective tissue disorder with the lupus anticoagulant antibody can i take nsaids?

A member asked:

Are any of the new anticoags useful for factor v leiden and lupus anticoag. antibody. on lovenox (enoxaparin) 100mg bid. venous and arterial clotting and pes. ?

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