Abstract 217: Study II - Antinuclear Antibody Levels Study in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a constellation of signs and symptoms that occurs when the patient stands upright. It affects primarily young women. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test measures the amount and pattern of antibodies in blood that work against own body (autoimmune reaction). If there are more antibodies in the blood than normal, the test is positive. Previously, we have conducted a research on increased ANA levels and POTS and found that 41% of them had positive results. Taking that one step ahead, the aim of this study is to demonstrate further pathologic conditions in patients found to have positive ANA values. Methods: 27 patients who were having positive ANA levels were selected and followed up on with phone calls about their contact with the rheumatologists out of whom 1 patient (4%) declined to participate in the research. Results: Out of 27 patients, 26 patients were Females (age 33.84±12.37) and 1 patient was male (age 24). 11 out of 27(40%) patients reported that they never visited rheumatologists, 15 out of 27 (55%) patients reported rheumatologist visit, 1 out of 27 (3.70%) patient reported endocrinologist visit, 2 out of 27(7.40%) patients reported that their ANA level was monitored by Primary Care Physician. 2(7.40%) patients were diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis, 2(7.40%) patients were diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, 3(11.11%) patients were diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. 7 out of 15 patients had other diagnosis; 3(11.11%) patients had Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, 2(7.40%) patients had Osteoarthritis, 1(3.70%) patient had Larsen syndrome, 1(3.70%) patient had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, 1(3.70%) patient had Fragile X Syndrome, 1(3.70%) patient had Fibromyalgia. Conclusion: 1) 41% of POTS patients had elevated ANA levels. 2) Elevated ANA levels represents a measure of autoimmune mechanism in a subset of POTS patients. 3) Elevated ANA levels incidentally found need to be further studied.