Question
The patient has experienced evening low fever and has previously been treated with cephalosporins and azithromycin. The blood test result shows a positive antinuclear antibody. Chest X-ray shows mild pneumonia. What does a positive antinuclear antibody indicate? How should we assist in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis? What precautions should be taken in daily life?
Answer
Antinuclear antibodies are a type of autoantibody that can react with the cell nucleus or its components. Typically, a positive antinuclear antibody result may be associated with diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus, mixed connective tissue disease, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, and others. Treatment recommendations include conducting a systematic examination followed by active treatment targeted at the cause. In daily life, it is important to pay attention to staying warm and maintaining regular living habits.