February, 2004 | Michael D. Lockshin, MD

Does ANA-negative lupus exist? What other labs are helpful when thinking of this diagnosis, and what if all of them are negative?

Published on February 9, 2004 by AdminMDL in For Physicians

Ask the Expert The answer to the question depends on what is meant by lupus, and what is meant by ANA. To start with the definition of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of many similar illnesses that affect young women and that cause arthritis, rashes, low white blood cell counts, low platelet counts,