Overlap syndrome

[babsinga]

Hi Everyone,

This is the closest explanation I could find for my symptoms and test results. I test positive for SSB La Antibodies. I do not have SSA antibodies at all. I have all the symptoms similar to a Lupus Sjogrens overlap meeting 7 of the 11 criteria for Lupus.  I have a negative lip biopsy and borderline dry eye syndrome.  Its frustrating not having a firm diagnosis and being put in the undifferentiated category. I know some of you have the same profile so I thought I would post this article reference:

4.THE SLE/SJOGREN'S SYNDROME OVERLAP DEFINED BY ANTILA(SS-B)


Clinical features
The La (SS-B) antigen is known to shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm and its antibodies
occur in both SLE and Sjo'gren's syndrome, particularly when there are overlapping features of
both diseases.Patients with anti-La antibodies have Sjogren's syndrome with prominent systemic
features. Most of the extraglandular features are SLE-like, with a high frequency of arthritis,
rashes, Raynaud's phenomenon, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Characteristic of the antiLa associated overlap syndrome is a purpuric hyper-gammaglobulinemic rash in about 30% of
patients and a relatively low frequency of nephritis compared to patients with typical SLE.
However, renal tubular acidosis (often sublinical) may occur in up to 30% of patients.


If you want more of this article you can go to this link:

http://www.med.usyd.edu.au/rheumato/Reum_PDF/Teaching/OVERLAP.pdf

Babs in GA

DX UCTD 2012, Possible Sjogrens or something else??? UUUGH

[Velcro]

Thank you.  I only test positive for B as well.

[Tharrell]

Same here, then it went negative. Go figure......sigh I'm also undifferentiated connective tissue disease with polyartherites.

[Velcro]

Mine too Tharrell....negative now....we are soooooo special!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I'm basically seronegative but I did have elevated anti-dsDNA which was more indicative of lupus. Symptons - SjS. Rheumatologist gave ne an 'overlap dx'. Quite honestly I no longer care about the label. I care about getting symptoms treated. I also care that health care professionals are no longer going down the "its all in your head" route.

No definitive dx can be good for airline insurance!!

Take care - Scottie