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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hinesville, GA
March 6
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A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member I can relate to some of what you’re describing. Lupus can definitely affect blood counts and make things confusing because several labs can shift at once.

For example, your numbers show:
• RBC 3.46
• Hemoglobin 10
• Hematocrit 33

Those are considered mild-to-moderate anemia levels, which can absolutely explain feeling weak, exhausted, and short of breath.

When I look at my own labs for comparison, my numbers were a little different. My red blood cells were higher than yours, but my hemoglobin and hematocrit were still being monitored closely because lupus inflammation and illness can affect them.

Doctors usually look at several things together to figure out the cause of anemia with lupus:
• Iron and ferritin (iron storage)
• Kidney function
• Inflammation from lupus activity
• Vitamin B12 or folate levels
• Medication effects

Low albumin can sometimes be related to inflammation, nutrition, or kidney issues, so it’s good that you’re asking your rheumatologist to check more labs.

Lupus can make labs fluctuate, but you’re doing the right thing by tracking them and asking questions. Hopefully the iron and ferritin tests will help give a clearer picture for you. 💜

March 7
A MyLupusTeam Member

Glory, up to one-third of lupus patients may be positive for p-ANCA, so it may not be concerning. Please discuss it with your doctor, as it's also associated with granulomatous polyangiitis, another autoimmune disease that tends to affect the. kidneys and lungs.

March 7
MyLupusTeam

What does a high positive P-ANCA result mean?

A high positive P-ANCA (perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody) test isn't typically associated with lupus diagnosis. The primary antibody test used for lupus is the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test, which looks for antibodies that attack the nucleus of your cells.

About Show Full Answer

What does a high positive P-ANCA result mean?

A high positive P-ANCA (perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody) test isn't typically associated with lupus diagnosis. The primary antibody test used for lupus is the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test, which looks for antibodies that attack the nucleus of your cells.

About 98 percent of people with lupus test positive for ANA. The ANA test is usually one of the first tests ordered when lupus is suspected and is required for diagnosis according to current guidelines.

If you've received a high positive P-ANCA result, it's important to discuss this with your rheumatologist. They'll interpret this result alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to understand what's happening with your health.

Your doctor may order additional tests to get a clearer picture, such as:
- ANA test (if not already done)
- Anti-dsDNA antibodies
- Complete blood count
- Complement levels (C3 and C4)
- Urinalysis

These tests help your healthcare team determine the best path forward for your care and treatment.

March 6

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