The RNP blood test is used to detect antibodies that are created when the signs or symptoms of connective tissue diseases are present. Called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease [MCTD], it’s actually several diseases that target the tissues which support the different components of the body. This could be the blood, fat tissues, bone, or even cartilage. Because it is typically an immune system issue, the RNP antibodies indicate the presence of at least one of these diseases.
One of the most common diseases that this blood test is used to detect is lupus, but there is only a 30% positive test result rate when RNP antibodies are present. It is more common to have Raynaud’s Phenomenon with these antibodies present and a different connective tissue disease that mimics what would happen if lupus and scleraderma were put together.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
The RNP blood test results will either come back as positive or negative. The antibodies will either be present or they will not be present. If the results come back as normal, then there is another explanation for the bothersome symptoms that are being experienced.
There may also be a false positive result from the RNP blood test for a variety of different reasons. Because of this, it is not uncommon for a medical provider to order a second blood test just to confirm the results from the first one.
The issue that many people face with a positive RNP test is that there is a lot of conflicting information that can be found online today about what positive results may mean. People can be diagnosed with an RNP test result of 3. It’s also been said that no healthy person can have a high RNP blood test result, yet most providers confirm the first test result with a second result to be certain.
If confirmed, however, there is a 100% chance that an MCTD diagnosis is going to be headed your way. If negative, additional lupus testing and other antinuclear antibody detection tests will be required to provide a diagnosis.
How Is MCTD Treated?
This overlap disease is often treated as symptoms arise. It can take a number of years for all of the symptoms of MCTD to arrive and some people may never experience all of the symptoms associated with the disorder. That is why the RNP blood test is an essential part of the diagnostic process. Without it, diagnosing bothersome symptoms can be very problematic.
Unfortunately there is no cure for MCTD. Some people only need to be treated when they are experiencing the symptoms of their disease. For those with serious symptoms, however, continuous medication may be required to maintain a high quality of life. These treatment options are usually considered for most cases of this disease.
Steroids.
One of the most common medications prescribed for MCTD is prednisone. It stops the immune system from attacking the body, but it may create mood swings, cause weight gain, and increase blood pressure in return.
Malaria Drugs.
Certain drugs that are used to treat malaria have found to be helpful in preventing relapses from occurring.
Immunosuppressants.
Some people may need to have their immune system depressed in order for it to stop attacking itself. If the MCTD looks more like lupus, then the treatment plan offered by a medical provider will be similar to what someone with lupus would have.
Hypertension Drugs.
Certain medications that treat hypertension can also be used to treat MCTD.
You Can Also Do Certain Things
The most important thing you can do after an RNP blood test that is positive is to find a way to reduce stress. The signs and symptoms of the disease are often triggered by stress and relaxation is known to help. Some have found that meditation exercises can be particularly beneficial when managing an outbreak.
It is also important to stop smoking if you are an active smoker.
Certain NSAID medications like ibuprofin or naproxen sodium may also help relieve pain and inflammation when the issues are mild. Protecting your extremities from the cold is also an essential home treatment option for this condition.
With current medical knowledge, you will be living with MCTD for the rest of your life. At first, that can make a positive RNP blood test become difficult news. With a good treatment plan and proactive options in place, however, it is a disease that can be managed rather successfully. Use this guide to speak with your doctor about your medical history and what the RNP results mean for you so that the best options become available to meet your needs.