Why did your anti-dsDNA titer change from 1:80 to negative while on azathioprine?
This is actually a positive sign that your treatment is working. Anti-dsDNA antibody levels can change dramatically over time depending on your lupus disease activity and treatment response.
When you're on effective treatment like azathioprine Show Full Answer
Why did your anti-dsDNA titer change from 1:80 to negative while on azathioprine?
This is actually a positive sign that your treatment is working. Anti-dsDNA antibody levels can change dramatically over time depending on your lupus disease activity and treatment response.
When you're on effective treatment like azathioprine (an immunosuppressant), these antibody levels often drop significantly. They can rise during a lupus flare and almost disappear during successful treatment.
Here's what this typically means:
- Your lupus may be better controlled now than it was 6 months ago
- The azathioprine is helping suppress the autoimmune activity
- Lower or negative anti-dsDNA levels often indicate less active disease
This is different from having consistently high levels, which can signal active lupus and even predict flares. Your changing results suggest your treatment is doing its job in managing your condition.
It's important to discuss these results with your rheumatologist, as they'll consider your antibody levels alongside your symptoms and other test results to get the full picture of your disease activity.
April 17
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