Laboratory Studies in Scleredema

What should be obtained in scleredema patients to exclude group A streptococcal infection?

Which test helps rule out diabetes mellitus in scleredema patients?

In patients with scleredema, which paraprotein is most commonly identified?

What is the typical interval between the diagnosis of scleredema and detection of paraprotein?

Which laboratory study should be performed to exclude a monoclonal gammopathy in scleredema patients?

Blood dyscrasias associated with scleredema typically appear how long after the onset of scleredema?

Which test is used to detect a recent infection with group A streptococci in scleredema patients without apparent pharyngitis?

What is true about the occurrence of paraproteinemias in patients with scleredema?

Laboratory Studies in Scleredema

Throat culture is recommended for scleredema patients to rule out group A streptococcal infection.
Antistreptolysin-O (ASO) titers should be measured to exclude recent infections with group A streptococci, especially in patients without evident pharyngitis.
Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) should be assessed to exclude diabetes mellitus in scleredema patients.
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation are important to identify or exclude monoclonal gammopathy in scleredema cases.
Both paraproteinemias and multiple myelomas have been reported in patients with scleredema, particularly type 2.
The most common paraprotein detected is IgG with kappa light chains, though IgA types can also be present.
Blood dyscrasias typically arise several years after scleredema onset, with detection of paraprotein potentially occurring before, concurrently, or after scleredema diagnosis.
A study found that paraproteinemia detection can be delayed, averaging up to 10 years post-scleredema diagnosis; other sources suggest a median detection of 2.5 years later.

Explore the essential laboratory studies performed on scleredema patients to rule out various infections and conditions. This quiz covers tests such as throat cultures, ASO titers, blood glucose assessments, and serum protein electrophoresis. Enhance your understanding of the complexities involved in diagnosing scleredema.