Scleroderma Panel (Scleroderma Panel) Test
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About on Scleroderma Panel Test
Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition where the skin becomes raised, thick and hard in oval patches on or lines that are on different parts of the body (localised scleroderma). It can also affect internal organs (systemic scleroderma) like lungs, kidney and heart. This happens due to the body’s own immune system, when it comes under the false impression that the body is injured, causing inflammation. This triggers the connective tissue cells to produce more and more collagen, which builds up over time, causing scleroderma. Why the immune system gets triggered this way is not known, though researchers say it might be due to either genetic reasons or exposure to pollutants like silica dust or organic solvents. Hormonal imbalance in women can also cause the immune system to act this way. The scleroderma panel test is used to diagnose scleroderma.
What is the Scleroderma Panel Test Used For?
Scleroderma Panel test is used to diagnose systemic scleroderma by checking the levels of certain autoantibodies (antibodies produced by the body’s immune system against the body’s own tissues). It is advised for people with symptoms of scleroderma, or with relatives having this disease, to assess their risk of having scleroderma or to diagnose scleroderma. Other tests are also recommended along with this blood test which tests whether the lungs, heart, kidney and other organs are properly functioning or affected by this condition.
Symptoms of Localised and Systemic Scleroderma
Many of the symptoms of the localised and systemic scleroderma condition overlap. It may also decrease mobility. Some of the symptoms of localised and systemic scleroderma are
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Raynaud’s Phenomenon (tips of the fingers, toes and other areas turn blue when exposed to colder temperatures)
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Thick, oval, waxy yellow patches surrounded by red bruised-looking edges
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Dark patches
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Furrowed lines running around the mouth area, above the lips
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Swollen fingers, especially knuckles
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Joint pain
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High blood pressure due to narrower blood vessels
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Kidney problems
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Heart problems
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Breathing difficulties due to lung involvement
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Fatigue
Which Tests are Included in Scleroderma Panel Test?
The Scleroderma Panel Test the presence of autoantibodies which are specific to this condition. People with scleroderma (both localised and systemic) would have these antibodies that affect the body’s own tissues. The presence of the following autoantibodies is tested for:
- Antinuclear Antibodies
- Anti-U3 RNP(Fibrillarin)
- Anti Th/To Antibody
- Anticentromere Antibodies
- Anti-SCL-70
- Anti-RNA Polymerase III
- Anti-PM/Scl-100 Antibody
- Anti-U1RNP Antibody
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are undergoing. There are no specific preparations or precautions to take before this test.
Interpretation of Test Results
The normal reference ranges for these autoantibodies are given below. Values outside of the reference range would mean that you are likely to have scleroderma or have some risk of developing scleroderma (Positive test). Doctors would also recommend other tests to confirm the diagnosis, in case of systemic sclerosis. If Antinuclear antibodies are present, then ANA Titer pattern test is also recommended.
Normal Range (Negative test):
- Antinuclear Antibodies, Anti-U3 RNP(Fibrillarin), Anti Th/To Antibody: Absence of these antibodies in the serum sample
- Anti-centromere Antibodies: Should be less than the ratio of 1:40
- Anti-SCL-70 antibodies: Should be less than 20 units
- Anti-RNA Polymerase III, Anti-PM/Scl-100 Antibody, Anti-U1RNP Antibody: Should be less than 20 units
Positive test:
- Antinuclear Antibodies, Anti-U3 RNP(Fibrillarin), Anti Th/To Antibody: Presence of these antibodies in the serum sample
- Anti-centromere Antibodies: More than the ratio of 1:40
- Anti-SCL-70 antibodies: More than 20 units
- Anti-RNA Polymerase III, Anti-PM/Scl-100 Antibody, Anti-U1RNP Antibody: More than 20 units indicates a positive test, but depending on the number of units detected, the likelihood of having scleroderma or developing scleroderma increases (weak to strong).
- Weak Positive: 20-39 units
- Moderate Positive: 40-80 units
- Strong Positive: >80 units
FAQs on Scleroderma Panel Test
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm.
The tests results should come within 14-25 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
There is no definite treatment for this condition. Doctors would prescribe medicines to manage the symptoms of this condition.
In case the scleroderma is mostly localised on the skin, applying moisturisers and sunscreen before heading out and avoiding hot water baths would help your skin from getting dried out. Keeping your body warm by wearing more layers of clothes (to avoid Raynaud’s phenomenon), avoiding smoking and keeping yourself hydrated would help too. Wearing gloves while working with chemicals known to cause scleroderma would help protect you.
For systemic scleroderma, which affects different organs, having small frequent meals, especially if the digestive tract is affected would be helpful. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided too.
Women are more likely to get scleroderma and it shows up mostly at the age of 30-50 years. People with relatives having scleroderma might be at some risk of having scleroderma, though this condition is not inherited genetically by children.
Scleroderma Panel (Scleroderma Panel) Test
