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Anti-RNP Level

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Posted 4/30/2014 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't posted in a while. Last year I tested positive for ANA (unk titer, three times) and positive for Anti-RNP (1.3 level). I was told to wait a year to have blood tests drawn again for my Rheumy.

Recently my ANA was negative but my Anti-RNP level is now 4.8. Is it normal for the ANA to go from positive (3 times) to negative. Also is it normal to just have an elevated Anti-RNP level?

My symptoms within this last year have been: rash in/on left ear, rash on right eyelid, eczema in hairline, periodic swelling on hands and feet, shortness of breath/achiness in chest, achiness under right ribcage near my liver, abdominal cramping/bloating, indigestion, ovaries achy and tender at times, fatigue, feel like I don't get enough sleep, etc.

Any ideas what my issue could be? What were your Anti-RNP levels?

Chantal
Posted 4/30/2014 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
My rheumy says that ANA levels fluctuate. He believes that if you meet the required 4 out of 11 indicators you definately have lupus.
Posted 4/30/2014 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! My Rheumy said that it may have been a false positive, I don't think so since it was positive three times and only negative once. Have your Anti-RNP levels been elevated?
Posted 4/30/2014 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
Mine hasn't been elevated any during any of my blood tests. My niece did test high in recent blood work, but no symptoms yet. We're keeping our fingers crossed on that one.
Posted 5/12/2014 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I saw my Rheumy today regarding my symptoms and my elevated Anti-RNP (level of 4.8, anything over 1 is positive). Last year my level was 1.3, my Rheumy said that they aren't usually concerned until it gets to 8 or over. He checked my ANA and it was negative this time around. He basically had no answers as to why my Anti-RNP levels are increasing or if it will turn into anything more. Basically I have to wait it out and see him again in 6 months for more blood tests.

I am thankful that my other blood tests are normal but still don't feel up to well. I still have a lot of fatigue (I was given a pamphlet on insomnia), achiness throughout my body, headaches, hands/feet swell, rash on ear and eyelid.
Posted 5/12/2014 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
It doesn't sound like this rheumy is treating your symptoms. It is well-known that many of the auto-immune diseases, like lupus, result in an extreme fatgiue that has nothing to do with insomnia.

Are you being treated with any medications at all?
Posted 5/12/2014 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
No medications. I take Tylenol or Ibuprofren for achy joints/muscles. This Rheumy said he doesn't really know what is going on with my body, that time will tell. It is just a waiting game. He said if my blood tests showed more that he would have suggested Planquil but not at this time.
Posted 5/12/2014 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
He sounds like one of those old-fashioned rheumies that still thinks Lupus can be diagnosed by a blood test. A blood test is only ONE indicator of 11 that can point to Lupus, and you do not have to have bloodwork to have Lupus.

Check out www.lupus.org - check out the 4 of 11 symptoms that indicate Lupus. To find another Dr in your area check out the local lupus chapter and see what Drs work with them. I think a more up-to-date and Lupus-aware Dr would give you more help. This "wait and see" attitude sometimes backfires as it can get worse and permanent when some preemptive treatment would avoid all of that.
Posted 5/15/2014 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Chawnie, elevated anti RNP level can be a sign of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), also known as Sharp's Syndrome. Check it out online and see what you think. That's been my diagnosis so far (from my primary), and I have a rheumatologist appt on May 28.

Best wishes to you--take care, and keep us updated.

Jan
Posted 5/15/2014 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
MCTD is not diagnosed unless the anti rnp antibody shows up. Maybe something to watch but if your symptoms continue you probably should get a 2nd opinion and talk about taking something to get your immune system under control. Whether or not you just have lupus or an overlap syndrome like MCTD treatment would probably be the same.

Labs alone do not mean you have something. Docs will look at clinical symptoms first and use labs or other tests to confirm a diagnosis and start treatment.

MCTD can present with symptoms of SLE lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis or sometimes RA or dermatomyositis. Every case is different and most likely you will not have all possible symptoms. I presented with lupus and then PM....

Bill
Posted 5/30/2014 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Jan - How did your Rheumy appt go?
Posted 5/31/2014 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Chawnie, and thanks for asking about my appointment!

I posted a rather lengthy "description" of my visit--it's titled "rheumatology appointment" (how creative . . ;).
So maybe you can glance over that and see what I learned. I'm also going to post a new thread because I saw a dermatologist, too.

How are you doing? And that beautiful daughter of yours? :)

Jan
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