Question

In a patient with a new onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), what autoantibody test result is unique to SLE, and what is the significance of the presence of antinuclear antibodies?

A. Antibodies to double-stranded DNA; high specificity for SLE
B. Positive Coombs test; increased risk of autoimmune thyroiditis
C. Elevated C-reactive protein; indicates systemic inflammation
D. Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies; autoimmune thyroiditis risk factor

Answer 1

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antibodies to double-stranded DNA are unique to the disease, signifying a high specificity to SLE. Antinuclear antibodies indicate the patient's immune system is attacking their own nuclear material.

Step-by-step explanation:

In patients with a new onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the unique autoantibody test result that is highly specific to SLE is the presence of antibodies to double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA). These autoantibodies are part of the classification criteria for SLE because they are not generally found in other diseases.

The significance of the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in SLE is that they indicate the patient's immune system is creating antibodies that incorrectly target the individual's own nuclear material, such as DNA and proteins.