Rheumatologist | Rheumatology Questions

Aih

Question - I have normal liver enzymes, bilirubin, kidney function, platelets, white blood cells ect… as per labs done a month ago. I had an abdominal ultrasound done 6 weeks ago that found Nafld, but was otherwise unremarkable. I am not jaundice, urine is not dark, stool often has an orange tint, but is not especially light coloured. I have upper right abdominal pain and upper right back pain (going on for months, it was the reason for the ultrasound.) Could this be autoimmune hepatitis despite normal labs and not especially concerning ultrasound? I have a positive Ana, and anti ds dna, along with chronic extreme fatigue and joint pain. Currently on waiting list for rheum.

I am currently diagnosed with ibs, bile reflux, hiatal hernia, gad, ocd, adhd
I take 15mg Escitalopram a day.
Very occasional social drinker, since Nafld 6 weeks ago, zero alcohol. Non smoker.

Female | 37 years old
Complaint duration: 3+ months

1 Answer

A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) and anti-dsDNA (anti-double-stranded DNA) test can be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The ANA test checks for the presence of antibodies against various components of the cell nucleus, while the anti-dsDNA test specifically detects the presence of antibodies against double-stranded DNA.

Upper right abdominal pain and upper right back pain can both occur in people with lupus. Abdominal pain is a common symptom in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affecting approximately 8-40% of patients. The exact cause of this pain can vary and may be attributed to factors such as medication side effects, peptic ulcers caused by certain medications, or the involvement of lupus in the gastrointestinal system.
It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your condition, conduct appropriate diagnostic tests, and provide you with personalized treatment options.