What Does History Of Multiple Miscarriages Along With Positive ANA Test Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had numerous miscarriages many years ago, was diagnosed with anticardiolipin antibodies and was given 2 baby aspirin a day and had a successful pregnancy. Was tested later years later and it did not show up but did have a positive ANA but no other tests are coming back definitive. Have many symptoms of stiffness, achiness, exhaustion, weight gain, hands turn blue/purple in the cold, kidney stones, etc. Doctors have wanted me to try Lyrica to see if it helps. I don't want to try a medication to try and get a diagnosis, I want to get the diagnosis first, and then take the medication.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I think your treating doctors are right.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam ,

Well in my opinion, I think you have been adequately evaluated. But before commenting I would like to see your autoantibody profile. Please upload reports if possibible so that we can decide on starting of medicine or not. Lyrica is generally prescribed but every aspect needs to be seen.

Thank you.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (1 hour later)

You wrote that you thought my doctors were right...right about what, I never got a true diagnosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Let me look into your reports...

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thanks for reverting back.

I meant at the outset, you seem to have been investigated appropriately. Since you give a history of multiple miscarriages, raynauds phenomenon along with ANA positivity the most likely diagnosis according to me is Lupus. Lyrica is prescribed to deal with pains and other neurological complaints associated with the disease. It doesn't address the condition.

Most rheumatological condition is diagnosed clinically and accordingly symptomatically you seem to have Lupus with APLA syndrome. But I understand your concern. Therefore before I can guide you, I wish to review the reports - like Anti ds DNA , ANA profile , CPK , anti Sm antibody. So please send all your reports. I will take the opportunity to review them and suggest a means which might help you to arrive at a diagnosis.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad