Antibody Tests for Lupus
Antibody tests are a set of blood tests that check for specific antibodies to help clarify the diagnosis of lupus. They include: Anti-dsDNA (antibodies to DNA). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) Anti-RNP. Anti-Smith (Sm). Anti-SS-A (also called Ro). Anti-SS-B (also called La). These antibody tests are often positive in lupus...Lupus: Care Instructions
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is a long-term disease that can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage in your body. It is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system attacks its own tissues. Lupus may cause problems with your skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, nerves, or blood cells. There are other types...Lupus and Pregnancy
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) doesn't usually affect a woman's ability to conceive. But if you are having a lupus flare or are taking corticosteroid medicines, you may have irregular menstrual cycles. This can make it hard to plan a pregnancy. If you plan to have a baby or are already pregnant, it's very...Immune System
Provides links to information about the immune system. Includes info about immunizations, HIV and autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.Complement Test
A complement test uses a blood sample to detect a group of proteins that help the body attack foreign substances. When there are a lot of foreign substances in the body, such as bacteria or viruses, a low level of complement means the body is trying to get rid of the foreign substances. If the body is attacking its own...Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Test
An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test measures the amount and pattern of antibodies in your blood that work against your own body (autoimmune reaction). The body's immune system normally attacks and destroys foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. But in disorders known as autoimmune diseases, the immune system...Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis (say "sar-koy-DOH-sus") is a rare disease that creates tiny lumps of cells throughout the body. These lumps are called granulomas. They can form anywhere on the inside or outside of the body and can cause permanent scar tissue. They often form in the lungs. They may also form in the lymph nodes, liver, skin...Sarcoidosis: Care Instructions
Sarcoidosis (say "sar-koy-DOH-sus") is a rare disease that causes tiny lumps of cells throughout the body called granulomas. They can form anywhere on the inside or outside of the body and can cause permanent scar tissue. They often form in the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, skin, or eyes. Sarcoidosis may affect how an...Learning About Apheresis
Apheresis (say "af-uh-REE-sus") is the process of withdrawing blood, filtering something out of the blood, and then putting the filtered blood back into the body. It has different names depending on what is being filtered from the blood. Some of these names include plasmapheresis (when plasma is removed from the blood)...Hip Problems, Age 12 and Older
Briefly discusses the hip joint and various causes of hip problems, including pain with movement or weight bearing, conditions causing inflammation, and infections. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.