Single-stranded DNA, antibodies

Why this test?

For diagnosis, assessment of activity and control of treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus; 

For differential diagnosis of diffuse connective tissue diseases.

In what cases is it prescribed?

With symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus: fever, skin lesions (butterfly erythema or red rashes on the face, forearms, chest), arthralgia / arthritis, pneumonitis, pericarditis, epilepsy, kidney damage;

when antinuclear antibodies are detected in the serum, especially if a homogeneous or granular (dotted) type of immunofluorescence of the nucleus is obtained;

Regularly, every 3-6 months, with mild severity of SLE or more often in the absence of disease control.

Test information

Antibodies to single-stranded DNA (anti-ssDNA) are detected both in rheumatic diseases and in other somatic and infectious diseases. However, the highest frequency of detection of an elevated level of these antibodies is observed in SLE (87% - in the active phase and up to 43% - in the remission period) and scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome. AT to ssDNA play a role in the pathogenesis of kidney damage in lupus nephritis. Antibodies to single-stranded DNA can be increased in many inflammatory, oncological diseases accompanied by tissue destruction. Non-specific detection of these antibodies greatly limits their use in clinical practice.