Antibodies to dsDNA, tested with circular DNA in the Farr assay, are specific for systemic lupus erythematosus. A longitudinal study showed a clear relation between the clinical state, the anti-dsDNA titer (expressed in units), and the C1q and C3 levels: when anti-dsDNA levels remained high, no exacerbations were observed. A sharp drop in anti-dsDNA, usually preceded by a rise, was related to a serious exacerbation. Only during the exacerbation when both C1q and C3 were very low was renal involvement seen.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Swaak et al. (1979) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: