Question 1

i have lupus- diagnosed w/labs and symptoms.but had no antibodies positive- all were 0 except my ssa was 8 (0-40 is neg) & scl-70 was 3 (0-40 neg) should i be concerned about scleroderma? very scared!

Accepted Answer

History & physical: Scleroderma is worth worrying about only if you are having raynaud's. Labs in rheumatology are numerous but are only useful as guides when there's more of the picture than you've shared. A lasting relationship with a rheumatologist who you trust is much better than overstudying labs. Glad you're proactive.

Question 2

is crest syndrome with high centromere b antibody considered a rare disorder with rheumatologists having only a few such patients?  should i seek out a scleroderma specialty center for regular care?

Accepted Answer

It's your call: I'm glad that you got your diagnosis. It's your call whether to seek a sub-subspecialist. Often your best move is to become scientifically literate and read the real journal articles having to do with your disease. The key decision in your management will probably be whether, when and how to manage any pulmonary arterial hypertension. See if you have someone locally who you like & trust.

Question 3

possibility of having scleroderma w/ negative scl-70 & negative anti-centromere antibodies?no raynauds,but bad gerd w/ ppi's not workin, i have lupus

Accepted Answer

History / physical: Scleroderma is diagnosed on history and physical exam. Without Raynaud's, it's unlikely. The labs aren't altogether sensitive. I'd address the GERD as a separate issue, and continue as you're probably already doing keeping a close eye on your lupus as a proactive patient. Best wishes.

Question 4

last year ive got mononucleosis and recently coronavirus. a blood test showed antinuclear antibodies, i have also chronic tonsillitis, my feet feel often cold and i have shortness of breath and tachycardia. what is more likely-lupus or scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

: A positive anti-nuclear antibody test can signal several types of disease, including both systemic lupus and scleroderma.  See a hematologist for definitive testing and an exam to make certain of the diagnosis.

Question 5

what are the antibodies that determine amyopathic dermatomyositis ? what tests should i ask for if has gone into scheloderma?

Accepted Answer

Clinical diagnoses: These are really clinical diagnoses.  Antibodies may provide additional information, but do not determine diagnosis.

Question 6

how many people die from scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Rare disease: Scleroderma is a very rare autoimmune disease which often results in a progressive decline in health resulting in death, due to the fact that little or no treatment options exist for scleroderma. It is quite rare, among the rarest of all immune complex diseases.

Question 7

what are the 1st symptoms of scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Tight skin: Early in the disease: fatigue, joint pain, tightening of the skin, and raynaud's phenomenon.

Question 8

what are the possible symptoms of scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Tight skin: Tight skin is characteristic but there can be a variety of other symptoms such as raynaud's, shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble swallowing, other GI symptoms, etc. Each person with scleroderma has a different set of symptoms and different type of scleroderma involvement.

Question 9

what is the definition or description of: scleroderma?

Accepted Answer

Scleroderma: Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease and which there is excessive thickening of the connective tissues.  This can cause skin tightening, rash, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases  affect kidneys and other organs.  This is one disease in which a specialist such as a rheumatologist should be involved in your care.  I am happy to do a consult if needed.

Question 10

what are the first symptoms of someone with scleroderma has?

Accepted Answer

See below: The commonest early symptoms of scleroderma are Raynaud,s Phenomenom/disease, skin tightness in face, upper extremities and trunk, and arthritis or muscle pain or weakness.

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Doctor answers about:

Scleroderma antibodies

A member asked:

I have lupus- diagnosed w/labs and symptoms.but had no antibodies positive- all were 0 except my ssa was 8 (0-40 is neg) & scl-70 was 3 (0-40 neg) should i be concerned about scleroderma? very scared!

A member asked:

Is crest syndrome with high centromere b antibody considered a rare disorder with rheumatologists having only a few such patients? should i seek out a scleroderma specialty center for regular care?

A member asked:

Possibility of having scleroderma w/ negative scl-70 & negative anti-centromere antibodies?no raynauds,but bad gerd w/ ppi's not workin, i have lupus

A member asked:

Last year ive got mononucleosis and recently coronavirus. a blood test showed antinuclear antibodies, i have also chronic tonsillitis, my feet feel often cold and i have shortness of breath and tachycardia. what is more likely-lupus or scleroderma?

A member asked:

What are the antibodies that determine amyopathic dermatomyositis ? what tests should i ask for if has gone into scheloderma?

A member asked:

How many people die from scleroderma?

A member asked:

What are the 1st symptoms of scleroderma?

A member asked:

What are the possible symptoms of scleroderma?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: scleroderma?

A member asked:

What are the first symptoms of someone with scleroderma has?

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