Lab Testing In Rheumatic Dx Flashcards
What are the non-specific acute phase reactants?
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate): rise w/ age, monitor dx activity (PMR, GCA)
CRP (c-reactive protein): synthesized in liver, monitor dx activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines inc CRP, CRP activates complement > phagocytosis
What CRP value represents an inflammatory process? Does this value fluctuate faster or less than ESR?
> 8 mg/L
More
Are serologies an appropriate single definitive diagnostic tool?
No
What is Rheumatoid Factor? What produces it?
Auto-antibody (IgM) that targets Fc portion of IgG
B-cells in synovial joints of RA pts
Is RF found in healthy people? Is it always found in sick people?
Yes
No
What’s the significance of the RF level?
High levels associated w/ more aggressive dx and worse prognosis
What lab result gives a 99.5% specificity for RA?
Pos anti-CCP + Pos RF
Whats does anti-CCP target? What does it signal?
Citrullinated proteins
Aggressive and erosive dx
Which test alone is most specific for RA?
Anti-CCP (more-so than RF)
What marker is 99% indicative of SLE?
Anti-SM antibodies in an ANA
What is a rim pattern ANA associated w/?
Anti-DS DNA in Lupus
What hematologic results would you expect in a pt being worked up for SLE?
Hemolytic anemia w/ reticulocytosis (lots of young/immature RBCs)
Leukopenia
Lymphopenia
Throbocytopenia
Is ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) found in normal healthy pts?
Yes, 30% of the time
What test comes up as a false positive in SLE?
RPR (test for syphilis)
What lab is used to support a streptococcal infection?
ASO titer (antistreptolysin O antibody) - group A strep infection