Examinations
Examinations
Anti-Double-Stranded DNA Antibodies (Anti-dsDNA), IgG Test
Anti-dsDNA antibodies are autoantibodies that specifically target double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), a key marker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Clinical Significance
- Anti-dsDNA antibodies are highly specific for SLE and help confirm the diagnosis in patients with positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests and lupus symptoms.
- They play a role in disease monitoring:
- Higher titers indicate active disease or flare-ups.
- Lower titers may indicate remission.
- Used to monitor lupus nephritis, a serious complication involving kidney inflammation and damage.
- Sample: Venous blood serum.
- No special preparation is required.
- Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Assessing SLE activity and treatment response
- Differentiating SLE from other connective tissue diseases
- When SLE symptoms are present:
- Fever of unknown origin
- Skin lesions (butterfly rash, facial or chest rashes)
- Joint pain (arthralgia) or arthritis
- Lung involvement (pneumonitis)
- Heart inflammation (pericarditis)
- Epilepsy or neurological symptoms
- Kidney involvement (proteinuria, nephritis)
- Patients with positive ANA results, especially with homogeneous or granular (speckled) fluorescence patterns in immunofluorescence microscopy.
- Regular monitoring every 3-6 months in patients with moderate to severe SLE if the disease is not well controlled.
Positive Anti-dsDNA Test May Indicate:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- SLE remission (lower titers but still detectable)
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)
- Chronic hepatitis B and C
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Infectious mononucleosis
Negative Anti-dsDNA Test May Indicate:
- Absence of systemic lupus erythematosus
- Drug-induced lupus (does not usually produce anti-dsDNA antibodies)