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4454327 tn?1405203128

elevated ANA and Crohns..

My 20 daughter has had Crohn's for six years. On Remicade, doing well.

About a month ago start having terrible shoulder and arm pain.

Went to Dctr, they took tests.  Lyme neg, blood work fine.

But they just sent an email stating that her Ana was elevated with homogeneous pattern
And they sent a referral to a rheumatologist.

Now, the email didn't include any numbers so I don't know if it's slightly elevated or high.

But they know she has an AI disease. So why the concern?  Could it be a sign that remicade is causing an allergy? The pains have subsided which is good.

I don't believe she has lupus.  Any guidance and info would be helpful.  Thank you.
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1530171 tn?1448129593
Hi BMDOK, you probably meant to address this to sunflower.

Since I'm here, I want to differentiate between B12 Cobalamin, Folate and their Neurological forms Methylocobalamin and Methylfolate.
You may have normal levels of the former 2 regular forms) which will not only do  very little for neurological function,, but also keep sufferers in limbo,"thinking" their levels are fine!
See my recent post in Pancake's thread.

Cheers!
Niko
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would recommend that she be tested for a Vitamin B12 deficiency along with folate and ferritin levels.  Absorbtion of these can be highly altered from the Crohns disease.  Deficiency in Vitamin B12 can cause many pain syndromes related to neuropathys that occur as the myelin sheath is destroyed around the nerves. It is very important that it be checked as the longer neurological issues go on the less likely they will become reversible. Oral tablets will not be helpful if they are not able to absorb properly as is the case with crohns.
Helpful - 0
1530171 tn?1448129593
Hi sunflower0962.

1:140 ANA result is a weak positive and on it's own, in the absence of significant symptoms, does not warrant further investigation.
There's no way to link it directly to Remicade in your daughter's case.
Also ANA's should not necessarily be monitored on a regular basis, but rather evaluated only in patients with signs and symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome.

Oh BTW, have you or your daughter ever looked into the SCD program?
Rush University scientists have found the SCD diet does change bacteria in the gut that theoretically could help treat Crohn's.
I think it's worth looking into.
It has helped treat my daughter's Ulcerative Colitis to the degree of her becoming "functional" again and lead a normal life.

Best wishes,
Niko
Helpful - 0
4454327 tn?1405203128
Ok. Received results.  1:140 is her number. Her gastro doesn't feel it's a concern but wants her to see a rhuemy  anyway.  I don't suppose they would able to narrow it down to remicade?  

In any case, I feel confident that's it's benign. She isn't exhibiting any other symptoms that would suggest otherwise.  Thanks
Helpful - 0
4454327 tn?1405203128
Ty Nico for your promptness.  My daughter is going to try to get numbers on Tuesday. I'm sure all is fine. At least the doctor is being proactive! Ty again
Helpful - 0
1530171 tn?1448129593
In the absence of other symptoms, Lupus and other A/I conditions are less likely, even with the elevated ANA.
BTW a positive ANA is not considered positive, unless it is 1:160 or more by most rheumatologists as on its own at this level, has very little diagnostic value, since a number of healthy subjects may also have low positive ANAs.

Let us know if and when you do get the exact numbers.

I don't think Remicade is causing an allergy, but Remicade can cause a positive ANA..

Best wishes,
Niko
Helpful - 0
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