U1-Nrnp Antibodies

Our immune system produces antibodies in response to invading exogenous substances such as viruses and bacteria. However, the immune mechanism occasionally misidentifies some of our cells or tissues as hazardous and produces antibodies against them, which are known as autoantibodies. They are frequently found in patients with autoimmune disorders.

U1-nRNP antibodies or anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies (anti-RNP) are autoantibodies that target the protein ribonucleoprotein (RNP), which is found in the nucleus of each cell in the human body.

Patients with a multitude of systemic rheumatic ailments often have high concentrations of antibodies to ribonucleoprotein. These ailments include Progressive Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), a distinguishable disease entity with intersecting clinical manifestations of Scleroderma, SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Polymyositis.

Antibodies against RNP are found in around half of lupus erythematosus patients, as well as those with other connective tissue illnesses, such as MCTD. Elevated concentrations of RNP antibodies lacking detectable Sm antibodies or double-stranded DNA antibodies characterise MCTD.

Checking for RNP antibodies is ineffective in patients who do not have antinuclear antibodies. If the individual has a negative antinuclear antibody (ANA), the U1-nRNP antibodies test will be of very low yield.

Anti-RNP antibodies are associated with MCTD but are not diagnostic; an individual may have significant anti-RNP levels but no clinical disease indications. U1-nRNP testing is commonly used to confirm clinically suspected diagnoses and track illness progression. The U1-nRNP antibodies test is used to assess patients with clinical manifestations of a connective tissue illness and a positive antinuclear antibody test.

A positive outcome for RNP antibodies indicates the presence of a connective tissue illness. RNP antibodies, despite their significant association with connective tissue illnesses, are not regarded as a "marker" for any ailment except when discovered in isolation, a positive RNP antibody result is compatible with the identification of MCTD. The level of anti-RNP antibody positivity does not predict the intensity or severity of the disease.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive U1-nRNP antibodies test. The benefits of an U1-nRNP Antibodies test include:  

• Helps examine people who have clinical signs of connective tissue disease 
• Aids in SLE or MCTD diagnosis 
• A positive test outcome with a significant pre-test probability helps in the diagnosis 
• A negative test outcome with a low protest probability helps in diagnostic exclusion 
   

Frequently asked questions

What is the procedure for an U1-nRNP antibodies test?

The U1-nRNP antibodies test necessitates the collection of a blood specimen. Your healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. You may notice a slight redness at the syringe insertion area after the test, however, it will dissipate in a few days.

What is the usual range for an U1-nRNP antibodies test, and how do you interpret the results?

When the concentration of U1-nRNP antibodies in the bloodstream is lower than 1 unit, the test is interpreted as normal or negative. A positive or abnormal outcome is recorded when the concentration of U1-nRNP antibodies is greater than or equivalent to 1 unit. When other autoantibodies are not identifiable, a positive result validates the diagnosis of MCTD.

What is the most effective method of treating Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)?

In the therapy of MCTD, corticosteroids are generally effective, mainly when the condition is detected early. Antimalarial treatments such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and extremely modest doses of corticosteroids can be used to treat mild instances.

What is a normal level of RNP antibodies?

Based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a negative antinuclear RNP antibodies result is defined as fewer than 20 U. A borderline result falls between 20 and 25 U. More than 26 U is considered a positive outcome.

What kind of professional specialises in connective tissue disorders?

Primary-care clinicians such as internists, family medicine professionals, and general practitioners treat individuals with MCTD. Cardiologists, nephrologists, neurologists, and pulmonologists are some of the other experts who may engage in the care of these individuals.

Where can I find a facility in my area that provides the U1-nRNP antibodies test?

An U1-nRNP antibodies test is available at Apollo 24|7. You'll be able to undergo the test for around INR 1800.