Anti-MPO Antibodies (Anti-Myeloperoxidase Antibodies) - pANCA Test

This test is done to help diagnose conditions like Microscopic Polyangiitis and certain types of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. It can also be used to monitor disease activity and response to treatment in patients with these conditions.

A positive result indicates the presence of Anti-MPO antibodies in the blood. This suggests an autoimmune process and is often associated with ANCA-associated vasculitides. However, a positive result should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and tests.

Symptoms of vasculitis can vary widely and depend on the organs affected. They can include fatigue, fever, muscle and joint pain, rashes, and problems related to reduced blood flow to various organs.

Yes, not all forms of vasculitis are associated with Anti-MPO antibodies. There are other antibodies and markers involved in different types of vasculitis.

If left untreated, vasculitis can cause damage to organs and tissues, and can sometimes be life-threatening. Complications can include kidney damage, respiratory problems, and nerve damage.

Treatment for vasculitis usually involves medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. This can include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and biologic therapies.

ANCA stands for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. These antibodies attack proteins within neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell. ANCA can be further classified into pANCA (Anti-MPO) and cANCA based on their staining patterns.

Yes, Anti-MPO levels can change, especially with treatment. Monitoring levels over time can be helpful in assessing the activity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

pANCA, or perinuclear ANCA, mainly targets myeloperoxidase and is associated with Microscopic Polyangiitis. cANCA, or cytoplasmic ANCA, mainly targets proteinase-3 and is associated with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.

Other tests that might be done include cANCA, complete blood count, urinalysis, and imaging tests to assess the organs that might be affected by vasculitis

Medications including immunosuppressants can alter Anti-MPO levels. It’s also possible that lifestyle changes affecting the immune system could have an impact.

Genetic predisposition can play a role in the development of autoantibodies like Anti-MPO.

In case of abnormal Anti-MPO levels, it is advisable to consult a rheumatologist or a specialist in autoimmune diseases for further evaluation and management.

There is no known cure for ANCA-associated vasculitides, but with proper management, many patients can achieve remission or a significant reduction in symptoms.

The Anti-MPO Antibodies test is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of certain forms of vasculitis. Recognizing the symptoms early and getting appropriate testing can be crucial for preventing complications and improving outcomes. If you have been diagnosed with an ANCA-associated vasculitis or have symptoms suggesting this group of diseases, it’s important to work closely with your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan.