Platelet Disorder Support Association

Join Us:

Become a Member

Support Us:

Make a Donation
    Remember Me     Forgot Login?   Sign up   •  Web site Help & Info
!!! DISCUSSION GROUP RULES !!!

1. You must be a registered website user in order to post and comment. Guests may read only.
2. Be kind and helpful, not rude and cynical.
3. Don't advertise or promote anything. You will be banned from the group.
4. Report problems to the moderators. THANK YOU!

Other Platelet Disorders

Not Technically Lupus??

More
15 years 4 months ago #4265 by srunge
Not Technically Lupus?? was created by srunge
Just curious, my daughter has a positive ANA 1:320 and ITP for the last 5 months. They said that she does not technically have Lupus. Steroids and Plaquinil worked for a while to keep her platelets up, until we tapered them. If it is Lupus wouldn't Plaquinil and steroids work to keep the platelets up? Or because she is not responding does it mean that it is ITP as of now?
Any help would be great!
Thanks,
emmy's mom
More
15 years 4 months ago #4267 by PennyLane
Replied by PennyLane on topic Re:Not Technically Lupus??
Does she have any lupus symptoms? Has she been tested for lupus-specific antibodies like anti-double stranded DNA?

A positive ANA is not entirely unusual, and not at all specific for lupus. While most lupus patients have an elevated ANA at some point (mine has been 1:2560), lots of people can have elevated ANA without ever developing autoimmune diseases.

Here's a link to the current diagnostic criteria for lupus: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemic_lupus_erythematosus#Diagnostic_criteria

I have lupus and ITP, and when I dropped below 30mgs of prednisone, my platelets drop. I am also on Plaquenil. I am being treated with Rituximab (Rituxan) right now, to try to elevate my platelet count.

I hope this helps! Any more questions?
  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
15 years 4 months ago #4274 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re:Not Technically Lupus??
Two things:

1. A person with Lupus may not respond to Prednisone and Plaquenil. Plaquenil is quinine based and can actually cause platelets to drop. However, most of us with Lupus must take Plaquenil because the problems caused by not taking it are greater than the risk of a platelet drop. Very few people do experience a drop due to Plaquenil. None of us really know if Plaquenil keeps the counts up or not (some people still battle ITP while on Plaquenil/Prednisone).

2. Just curious - why do they have her on Plaquenil if she hasn't been diagnosed? I am one who believes that using Plaquenil before a diagnosis in a suspected Lupus-patient can be beneficial in prolonging the diagnosis. I've read a few articles about that.
Platelet Disorder Support Association

Donate

About

Stay Informed

Follow Us

IMPORTANT!

The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.


Platelet Disorder Support Association
8751 Brecksville Road, Suite 150, Cleveland, Ohio 44141
Phone: 1-87-PLATELET | 877-528-3538 (toll free) | or 440-746-9003
E-mail: pdsa@pdsa.org


© Copyright 1997 - 2025, Platelet Disorder Support Association. All rights reserved.
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.


Privacy Policy and Terms of Use