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What Do My Lab Test Reports Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Mar 2016
Question: In August, 2013 I had some blood test done because of ongoing symptoms of RA or PsA or some kind of autoimmune thing going. A month ago I had more test done because of persisting symptoms I went online and obtained my test results. When doing so I was able to access the former test results that I was never given. The tests done in August, 2013 show RF 24, AntiCcp20, C-Reactive protein 1.34 and several abnormalities within my CBC. Also fluid drawn from my knee show total Nucleated cell count of 300 and monocytes/macrophage 71%. The RF done one month ago showed RF 14 , anti CCp 116, same abnormalities with my CBC,Low iron Low D, Low B12 , low sodium. Dr says probably rheumatoid arthritis, but I'm concern about the test done in 2013 that I did not get and what damage has been done. Do you think the abnormal findings at point were significant. I also have an outbreak of psoriasis on my leg and my joint pain increasingly worse all the time. I really was thinking I had Psoriatic Arthritis. Thank you, XXXXXXX I'm sorry, I don't want to sign up for monthly debits.
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Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Rheumatoid ARthritis Vs Psoriatic ARthritis

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

thank you for writing on health care magic

I have gone through your history, but I would like a few more details to see if it is RA or PsA.

1. When you say symptoms, what are the symptoms you are experiencing. As in which joints is it affecting...Detail of the joints helps us delineate if it is rheumatoid or not . PsA can affect any joint in any way it wants.

2. Do you experience early morning stiffness as well??

3. Has any of your joints gotten deformed, as we need to assess the damage caused by the arthritis in last 2 years.

4. Could you attach the CBC report, as I would like to know the details of the abnormalities as well

As per your queries:

1. Your Anti CCP is very strongly positive. It is highly suggestive of Rheumatoid ARthritis but can be found in Psoriatic ARthritis as well( 5-8 % people). It normally is present around 3-5 years before the start of the disease. But it s main significance is aggressive disease where we cant stop the medications.

2. As for the damage in the joints, it can be assessed by X rays and if you have any deformity.

3. The good part is. ..Even if it is RA or PsA, the first drug of choice is Methotrexate. It will help your skin worsening as well along with the joint pains. Only thing we need to be cautious is the use of steroids in PsA as it can flare the skin complaints.

I would suggest dont go for strong pain killers, and we should plan a better treatment strategy for you. Less side effects and more effectiveness

Hope the information was useful

DO let me know for more queries

REgards
Dr Naval
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

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What Do My Lab Test Reports Indicate?

Brief Answer: Rheumatoid ARthritis Vs Psoriatic ARthritis Detailed Answer: Good evening thank you for writing on health care magic I have gone through your history, but I would like a few more details to see if it is RA or PsA. 1. When you say symptoms, what are the symptoms you are experiencing. As in which joints is it affecting...Detail of the joints helps us delineate if it is rheumatoid or not . PsA can affect any joint in any way it wants. 2. Do you experience early morning stiffness as well?? 3. Has any of your joints gotten deformed, as we need to assess the damage caused by the arthritis in last 2 years. 4. Could you attach the CBC report, as I would like to know the details of the abnormalities as well As per your queries: 1. Your Anti CCP is very strongly positive. It is highly suggestive of Rheumatoid ARthritis but can be found in Psoriatic ARthritis as well( 5-8 % people). It normally is present around 3-5 years before the start of the disease. But it s main significance is aggressive disease where we cant stop the medications. 2. As for the damage in the joints, it can be assessed by X rays and if you have any deformity. 3. The good part is. ..Even if it is RA or PsA, the first drug of choice is Methotrexate. It will help your skin worsening as well along with the joint pains. Only thing we need to be cautious is the use of steroids in PsA as it can flare the skin complaints. I would suggest dont go for strong pain killers, and we should plan a better treatment strategy for you. Less side effects and more effectiveness Hope the information was useful DO let me know for more queries REgards Dr Naval