Medical conditions associated with a positive anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid

ABSTRACT

To explore the associated diseases with positive anti-double stranded [ds] DNA other than systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], and to determine an association if any, between its level in non-SLE causes. This is a retrospective review of all patients with positive anti-dsDNA assay [more than 200 IU/ml] tested for any underlying etiology from January to December 2007 at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and twelve patients with anti-dsDNA antibody testing were evaluated. Of these, 124 patients had SLE [58.5%], while 88 patients [41.5%] had other diseases. Representing non-SLE diseases were rheumatological disorders in 29 patients [33%], infections in 11 [12%], and malignancy in 6 patients [7%]. Strong positive results [>800 IU/ml] were found in only 8 patients [4%] with diagnoses of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, tuberculosis, osteomylitis, thymoma, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and 2 autoimmune hepatitis patients. There was a statistically significant association between highly positive anti-dsDNA testing and rheumatological disorders. Although positive anti-dsDNA test is common in SLE patients, other diseases should be considered when the anti-dsDNA level is equivocal, and the clinical criteria are not in favor of SLE