Do not request the dosage of ANA (anti-nucleic autoantibody) and rheumatoid factor dosage to a child when there is the presence of arthralgia, without any clinical objectivity.

Do not request the dosage of ANA (anti-nucleic autoantibody) and rheumatoid factor dosage to a child when there is the presence of arthralgia, without any clinical objectivity.

Type of practice

Laboratory tests

Age

Pediatric

Topic Area

Rheumatology

When a child has joint pain but does not meet the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis it is not very useful to require the determination of autoantibodies. These investigations are useful to better define the diagnosis, the prognosis and therefore to start an adequate and immediate therapy.

Sources

1. Perilloux BC, Shetti AK, Leiva LE et al. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and ANA profile tests in children with autoimmune disorders: a retrospective study. Clin Rheum 2000; 19(3): 200-3.
2. Saurenmann RK, Levin AV, Feldman BM et al. Prevalence, risk factors and out come of uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a long term follow up study. Arthritis Rheum 2007; 56(2): 647-57.
3. Sheldon J. Laboratory testing in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Rheum 2004; 18(3): 249-6.

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.