Double Stranded Dna, Ifa, Serum

DSDNA stands for double stranded DNA. DNA is genetic material present in every cell of the body. When immune system fails to recognize between “self” and “foreign” cells, it sometimes attack own cells by making antibodies against it. dsDNA is antibody made against one’s own DNA and therefore can attack any tissue of the body producing inflammatory response. The test for anti-dsDNA, along with other autoantibody tests, may be used to help establish a diagnosis of lupus and distinguish it from other autoimmune disorders.

Your doctor will advice you to take this test, when you have been tested positive of ANA (anti nuclear antibody) also have been showing any of the signs of lupus as follows:

• Muscle pain
• Arthritis-like pain in one or more joints (but no or little joint damage)
• Red rash that frequently resembles a butterfly across the nose and cheek areas (malar rash)
• Low-grade fever
• Persistent fatigue, weakness
• Skin sensitivity to light
• Hair and weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Inflammation and damage to organs and tissues, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, lining of the heart, central nervous system, and blood vessel

Other Name: Anti-dsDNA

This test help diagnose and monitor lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE). systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE or Lupus is an autoimmune disease.Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can affect various tissues and/or organs of the body such as the kidneys, joints, blood vessels, skin, heart, lungs, and the brain. (For more on this, read the article on Lupus). 

Though cause of LUPUS is unknown it can be genetic, environmental or can be triggered by medicines. The fact that it can affect any organ makes it life threatening as well at time. Eg lupus nephritis is condition when kidneys are affected with lupus. Lupus cannot be treated completely only is signs and symptoms can be managed, hence early diagnosis goes a long way.

Interpretation

A high level of anti-dsDNA is strongly associated with lupus and is often significantly increased during or just prior to a flare-up. However, the severity of disease and management often depends on variety of other factors such as medical history, signs and symptoms, results of other tests etc. There is no cure for lupus, but the symptoms and complications can be managed. Hence, it is always advisable to consult your doctor to understand your condition and its management better.