Do Children have a Positive ANA under the age of 5

[mummy of 2 amazing kids]

Hello everyone,I was just wondering is it possible for a child to get a positive diagnosis for Lupus if they fit the criteria bar the ANA.I have been told buy 2 doctors (not specialists in the Lupus area)that they need an ANA.Yet i'm sure I have read elswhere that it is hard to get a positive ANA under the age of 5.Any advice or opinion would be great.Thanks:)

[crm1209]

I can't answer the question about the age at which a postive ANA would emerge. But your post made me wonder why the doctors want your children tested. What are the symptoms that have prompted two doctors to recommend testing?

Renee

[mummy of 2 amazing kids]

Hi Renee,
Both my children have fevers,mouth ulcers,Elevated ESR,CRP anemia joint pain,lots of bruising,enlarged lymph nodes,headaches,we are treating it as a fever syndrome(thru there specialists)with Steroids and colchicine.This has been going on since birth bacically for my daughter(now 4).so I wonder if it is more connective tissue then periodic fever.Thanks :)

[crm1209]

Gosh, I'm so sorry. It sounds like your kids have been through quite a bit. Have you considered having them evaluated by a pediatric rheumatologist who has experience with autoimmunne & connective disorders? I don't know if there are any in your area, but if there are that might be a good thing to check out.

I know there are a number of other folks on here with children with lupus, they might also have some good ideas about where to turn next.
Good luck and please keep us posted on how you and your kids are getting along.

Renee

[Clare.T]

Hi motak

From what I can see, it's much the same as for adults- negative ANA as good as rules out lupus.

I've got a collection of links which I'll post tomorrow, but there's a good deal on line if you google ( pediatric lupus ANA) or something like that.

I also looked up 'fever' and there's a pinned article about fevers above. Some sorts certainly sound exactly like what your children are suffering.

I'm not sure what I would do to get complete reassurance. I'd make sure their urine was tested though.

Bye for now - maybe I'll have some brighter ideas tomorrow ! :)

Cheers
Clare

[mummy of 2 amazing kids]

Thankyou very much Clare and Renee for you input and clare for taking the time and effort to find articles and links.This is such a caring website and I am so glad to have found it.I find it hard as there is not only me who has medical issues that are going on but my kids.I also find it hard to understand how we could all have something going on and them not some how be able to link them all together.I;m not sure if it is a fever syndrome any more as the fevers are not Periodic as they once were.

Renee:We are seeing a Imunoligist who dignosed My dd with Periodic Fevers and then we also see a Rhumatoligist(sp),I just think that they are focusing on the fever syndrome to much and mayby overlooking other things.

Any other feedback from other Mums or anyone with experience I would love your input Thankyou once again everyone :)

[Mariposa]

8) Hi mommy of 2,

Last year, my son's ANA test came back negative as well as, his urine test. The rheumy at the children't hosp. told me not to worry about it for now. He said that most likely, IF is going to be positive, it will show up around when my son becomes a teenager or perhaps or later in his life.
He also said that his leg pains, mild fevers and tiredness was due to his anemia and "growing pains". :shrug:

My 9 year-old is now on an iron supplement twice a day (liquid formula) and is doing better. However, I still have that the same concern in the back of my mind because sometimes it's difficult for me to trust doctor's opinion after only 1 visit. :unsure:

Our GP doc monitors the progress with the anemia, but if those previous symptoms come back; you bet I will see the rheumy peds again. :huh:

I'm sorry your children have been sick and my heart goes out to you. As a mom, I know how difficult it is to see our little ones in pain.
I hope the specialists are able to give you answers and provide the children with appropriate medical care. Take care.

Butterfly Hugs 8)