What is borderline lupus? | Lupus (2024)

FAQs

What is borderline lupus? | Lupus? ›

A doctor may use the phrase "borderline lupus" when symptoms or blood test results suggest lupus, but there is not enough information for a definite diagnosis.

They may use the terms “incomplete” or “undifferentiated” to describe someone who has signs and symptoms of lupus but not enough for a diagnosis. People with borderline lupus may have fewer symptoms and less severe symptoms than those with SLE.

The quantitation of an ANA is most commonly reported as a titre, reflecting the final step in a series of two-fold dilutions at which the ANA remains positive (eg. 1:1 280 for a strongly positive ANA, or 1:160 for a weaker, borderline positive ANA).

ANA of 0, 1+ or 2+, or at titers less than 1:80 (diluted 80 times) usually do not indicate a significant problem. ANA titers at higher levels more likely indicate the presence of autoimmune disease. Many laboratories also measure pattern or the way the test looks when viewed through a microscope.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.

A positive test for the presence of these antibodies — produced by your immune system — indicates a stimulated immune system. While most people with lupus have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, most people with a positive ANA do not have lupus.

Lupus is a chronic disease with no cure.

This means that you can manage it with treatment, but it will not go away. Treatment can help improve your symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent other health problems often caused by lupus. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms and needs.

With nonerosive arthritis, the bones around joints don't get destroyed. It is possible to get a “borderline” diagnosis – in other words, a person can exhibit some signs of lupus but not yet have a lupus diagnosis.

The ANA test is used specifically for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE). A positive ANA titer (> 1:80) with the associated clinical signs (e.g. skin disease, polyarthritis) and laboratory findings (e.g. proteinuria, thrombocytopenia) is diagnostic for SLE.

ANA test results are most often reported in 2 parts: the level or titer and the pattern. Titres are reported in ratios, most often 1:40, 1:80, 1:160, 1:320, and 1:640. Some, but not all labs will report a titre above 1:160 as positive.

The ACR criteria include malar rash; discoid rash; photosensitivity (development of a rash after sun exposure); oral or nasal ulcers; arthritis of multiple joints; serositis: (inflammation of the lining around the lungs or heart); kidney disease indicated by protein or casts in the urine; neurological disorders such as ...

What is the biggest indicator of lupus? ›

C-Reactive Protein (CRP).

CRP is a protein produced by the liver that signals inflammation. High CRP levels are common in lupus and other inflammatory diseases.

The most common signs and symptoms include: Fatigue. Fever. Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.

Why the test is used: ESR is used as a marker of inflammation. Inflammation could indicate lupus activity. This test could be used to monitor inflammation, which could indicate changes in disease activity or response to treatment. Limitations of the test: Like CRP, the ESR is not specific to lupus.

Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are autoantibodies to the nuclei of your cells. 98% of all people with systemic lupus have a positive ANA test, making it the most sensitive diagnostic test for confirming diagnosis of the disease.

Antibody blood tests

The antibodies your body makes against its own normal cells and tissues play a large role in lupus. Many of these antibodies are found in a panel—a group of tests that are ordered at the same time. The test you will hear about most is called the antinuclear antibodies test (the ANA test).

Some common autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes mellitus, are relatively easy to diagnose, while others, such as vasculitis, Addison's disease, lupus, and other rheumatic diseases, are more difficult.

Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening. This very much depends on the parts of the body that are being attacked by the immune system. The most common forms of lupus are milder forms, and most people enjoy a full life, even though they may need to take medications. Lupus is only life threatening in rare cases.

In most cases, lupus is not fatal. In fact, 80% to 90% of people who have this autoimmune disease will likely live a normal life span. Still, some people do die from the disease, in which your immune system attacks your body's organs and tissues.

If your symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are mild or well-controlled, you may find it barely affects your day-to-day life and that you do not have any complications. However, for some people, SLE can be a more serious condition that can cause life-threatening complications.

With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus, and some people do die from the disease. However, for the majority of people living with the disease today, it will not be fatal.