A Rheumatologist explains: What are complements?

Рет қаралды 16,684

Күн бұрын

"How do my labs look?" This is the first question lupus patients usually ask their doc during their visits. Labs can be a large part of what is discussed during a visit, wouldn't it be nice to understand what your doc is looking at when they say "everything is fine" or "things are going the wrong direction?" Learn about the common lupus labs - the complements! (And FYI - labs are important but how you FEEL is more so)
🔗 Links:
Your Appointment Home Run Handbook - connectedrheumatology.com/app...
The guide you need to be able to tell your doc your story -and find get answers once and for all!
⏱Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:30 What are complements?
3:07 Why we check complements in certain autoimmune conditions
5:00 Complements and Lupus
5:40 Immune complex deposition & complement activation (Oh MY!)
7:59 Complements can go up & down
10:50 What this all means for YOU
11:17 How to track your complement levels
15:00 Why understanding complements is important
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🎥 watch more:
Sjogren's Syndrome: • A Rheumatologist Expla...
Scleroderma: • 7 facts about Sclerode...
Common Lupus Symptoms: • Learn about Common Lup...
Top 10 Facts about Lupus pt1: • Top 10 Things to Know ...
Top 10 Facts about Lupus pt2: • Top 10 things to know ...
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Please note - we do not provide medical advice, opinions or diagnosis via email, phone or social media messaging. We are only open to new patients who reside in Texas, USA.
👩🏻‍⚕️ About me:
Hello! I am Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz and I'd like to thank you for stopping by Connected Rheumatology. I am a board certified Internist and Rheumatologist with over 10 years experience practicing Rheumatology and am passionate about teaching & empowering patients to step up and partner with their doctor. Connected Rheumatology is based in Dallas, Texas and provides state-of-the-art, personalized rheumatology care for anyone with confirmed or suspected rheumatic, autoimmune or musculoskeletal conditions.
We discuss all things Rheumatology, Immunology, Diet & Movement & Mental Health & Wellness because we believe IT IS ALL CONNECTED!
* The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. Any comments and/or recommendations made in the comment section by anyone other than Connected Rheumatology does not reflect the opinion or recommendation of Connected Rheumatology.*

Пікірлер: 82

@jessicamckinney9367 Жыл бұрын

This was explained so well! Thank you for truly breaking it down in medical terms in a way we can all process! I understand the complexities much better after watching this.

@catherinecolucci364 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to educate and explain the complex things in rheumatology. My daughter was recently diagnosed with Auto-Immune SEL and I find your videos so positive and helpful in understanding the different diagnoses, treatments, understanding labs.

@nora768 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, I learnt a lot of information for dealing with my Lupus.

@lindasplaylist100 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

@kimberlykennedy6501 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You for explaining so we can understand what is happening to our bodies

@kristyt6318 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you again for another informative video!

@illmello 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your vids. You've been more educational than my own Rheumo who when I ask about tests and what they mean , he doesn't answer. so this means alot.

@soniagrindstaff2416 10 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!! So informative and helpful ❤

@jackysmith1763 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for explaining this to us.I have always seen it on my blood form.

@carolynbaker4250 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting these videos, in the past 3 months my 32 year old son has had DVTs and a PE and diagnosed with lupus I sometimes feel as if we're swimming in quicksand.

@ConnectedRheumatology 2 жыл бұрын

Hang in there!

@anitadai6143 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you !

@barbarachristie396 Жыл бұрын

Oh boy this one really has me confused! I have RA, but sometimes the doctor calls it polyarthritis. I’m wondering if she thinks I have some thing other than RA but my meds are a straight or a regime. I have binge watched your videos all afternoon and evening today! Love, love, love them. I have learned so much even though I’m not at all new to medicine or to RA. Thank you so much for the depth and detail to what you’re going. Absolutely wonderful info! Now I wish you would dig deep into our a management in sequelae and things that we find ourselves faced with down the line after diagnosis and after we’ve been on meds for a while. It would be really interesting to have you do a deep dive for us. Thank you! Kudos! You’re making a huge difference❤🎉😊

@madanreddy1710 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@punkbunnee9558 2 жыл бұрын

Dr. Ortiz is the beautiful magic fairy, the compliments are Pinocchio (and his nose) and Jiminy Cricket is the antibodies.. They're all a part of Gepetto when he's having a flair and can't make or fix toys. I'm too distracted by sudden overabundance of Sjogren's tears to add Figaro and Cleo! Tagging another autoimmune patient. Great video. Wish I could explain ANYthing this well. Thank you 💌 @Connected Rheumatology

@heatherr1141 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I learned so much like never before has anything been explained so well. I appreciate you believe we should understand our disease. I wish I could see you I would learn so much. I watch a lot of your videos. I was recently diagnosed with EDS, UCTD and possibly MG. I didn’t have any inflammation markers I don’t think. Now I have high CRP level of 12. I’m thinking it should help differentiate the UTCD. I believe I more fit in The MCTD diagnosis. I matched my symptoms before I even saw a Rheumatologist and from watching your videos and studying my symptoms online that I felt I had all these except I feel more like it’s MCTD. I was just happy to finally be diagnosed and I hoped with time the Dr would learn me better and choose a better diagnosis for the UCTD if that makes sense.

@anhjuntura4532 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@patriciap.9034 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dr., I recently joying your channel because I have auto immune disease and my doctors don’t say very much about it. I actually learned more from their PAs. I was told I was in the 10% of people whose blood work does not show lupus. I’m wondering if that test they talk about is the dsDNA. My C3 and C4 blood work is always being taken. I am enjoying your channel, and glad I found you. Thanks again.

@ConnectedRheumatology 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you are getting something out of it! I suspect they are most likely talking about the ANA blood test, as that is what most people mean when they talk about the "lupus blood test" being positive or negative. Don't hesitate to ask the clinic for a copy of all your results, they are yours, after all. Good luck!

@jonnistephenson3515 Жыл бұрын

What does it mean if your complement is high

@phwshopping1426 4 ай бұрын

Would love to know this! My C3A is high and I have Sibo and horrible histamine intolerance 😮

@gamaltaher9714 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@AmayzinOne 2 жыл бұрын

Is there any concern if complement levels aren’t low but on the lower side? For example: mine is 22 when low is 19 on the scale of the test I took.

@jordanashley4708 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! Question, so how does ch50 tie into all of this? My c4 was low, c3 was normal and now my ch50 is >60… trying to understand what that means lol

@aprilboone1939 2 жыл бұрын

Could you do a video on u1RNP?

@rhondacaywood6125 Жыл бұрын

In your webinar you specifically refer to complement levels associated with Lupus. What about other diseases such as small cell vasculitis?

@iloveyouyoulovemeify Жыл бұрын

i have axspa and psoriatic arthritis my c3 c4 and crp are allways high.

@edensgate6946 9 ай бұрын

I'm blessed to watch your channel. What measures do ypu do for a very high ANA TITER? The blood rrsult came 1:4000 from the normal of below 1:100 supposedly. What are the management for such a very high ANA titer with only a dip in the C3 conplement of 3 points lower and a C4 complement of 2 points higher from the normal result? The patient is on Reconil 2tablets daily with no symptoms of pain, diagnosed with MCTD with only Raynauds Syndrome and hair loss that all came back now. What can we do in this case?

@vidyag7157 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for educating us which helps us to improve our health. I have lupus/sle c4 complement is 10 at first doctor visit.that time I have symptoms of losing hair, fatigue. Started taking medicine Hydroxychloroquine and been 1 yr. No symptoms but still c4 complement is same 10. Which is concerned to me and to my doctor. Dr thinking to change medicine to benlysta(I think it is shots) because no change in c4. Am bit concerned. What else can you suggest me please. Do you have virtual appointments? I really need your help. How can I get your appointment? I appreciate your reply

@sprout8952 Жыл бұрын

What about a low C3 but high complementary total?

@rhondacaywood6125 Жыл бұрын

What complement levels should be tested for cutaneous vasculitis, on-going for over a year, on methylprednisolone same amount of time.

@jhenrydiaz8421 7 ай бұрын

what about high complement level? complement B and complement I is elevated

@doloresballiet542 Жыл бұрын

Can C3 and C4 be affected by scleroderma?

@da7967 Жыл бұрын

What would you do for a patient with a C7 deficiency?

@kateb659 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Dr Ortiz. Thank you for your excellent video. I'm just wondering if complement levels will be abnormal if someone has one of the Autoimmune Paraneoplastic Syndromes? Thank you very much.

@ConnectedRheumatology 2 жыл бұрын

Depending on the type of paraneoplastic syndrome the person is having, yes, complements may be low. But there are so many varieties or flavors of autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes that it's hard to generalize.

@kateb659 2 жыл бұрын

@@ConnectedRheumatology Thank you so much for your reply. Is it a neurologist who tests the paraneoplastic antibodies or does a rhumatolgist also test for these? Thank you again.

@lochlinekensley1273 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Dr i have beem diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis..pain in my hands and my fingers become stiff and its difficult to make a closed fist...its both hands. I also have pains in my arms both sides..between the shoulder and the elbow. Especially in the morning. My left knee also pain and both feel knees feel soo stiff before getting up. Please advise the type of medication or pills i must take. I only take 2 pain pills and 1 tramadol. Kind regards Lochline Kensley..Cape Town, South Africa.

@jeneawalkerwinston5230 Жыл бұрын

Good Evening. Asking for a family member. Is a C3 169 high and C4 53 high?

@Queenie1313 11 ай бұрын

How low is low? I have C3 98 and C4 17. I’m being tested for lupus.

@TTG1973 3 ай бұрын

Can a high C3 indicate encephalitis?

@hannahyost9798 9 ай бұрын

Could my low complements be connected to low rdw?

@bddybdz Жыл бұрын

My C3 is 0.84 low. What does that mean? 😔 I’m having so many health issues and pain..

@kathyw5811 9 ай бұрын

What is high complement mean

@lindaadamaca2957 Жыл бұрын

What does a high C4 mean

@soundsrelaxing888 Жыл бұрын

My complement is high and it's stating my C4d is high..... My test is showing a high red. I read it's dealing with my kidneys... I have skin issues and low iron

@marypagones6073 Жыл бұрын

I know your channel isn't a replacement for a medical appointment, but what if someone doesn't have a diagnosis but their labs say they have a positive ANA, normal C3, and slightly low C4 (9, when the low normal is 12).

@newlife3576 2 жыл бұрын

I'm one of those 50% that had normal complement at the point of first diagnosis. I have ESL and Sjorgen's, no organ involvement. I was prescribed hydrocloquine 400mg per day. Labs have been good. I decided to change doctor, hydrocloquine was causing dark skin and vision problems. I just had labs done by the new doctor. Labs are good. Sed is at 22. C4C complement is normal. C3C complement is 205. Would you shed some light why c3c complement would be high?

@floeticlove1989 10 ай бұрын

That’s what I am trying to find out as well why would it be high

@phwshopping1426 4 ай бұрын

I’m researching this, my C3A is high. I have horrible histamine intolerance and Sibo. I hope someone out there has an answer.

@joehenry1031 7 ай бұрын

My ch50 is 91 is that high or low?

@jfouts1979 Жыл бұрын

I cannot get doctors here to help me enough to figure out what is wrong. I have low C4, low C3a, high IL-6, high IL-10, high ANA, high SSA-Ro (yes suggestive of Sjogren's - but have not had lip biopsy - rheum recommended against it), and said not confident it is SS. So where do I go from here at this point is my question? I'm so tired of being sick and tired. I have other autoimmune conditions - Grave's Disease, Ocular Rosacea, etc... also have Osteopenia, small fiber neuropathy (suspected to be autoimmune fgfr3 related), and more. If I were a friend, what would you tell me to do? And thank you for being a doctor who believes that patients can be educated, and are educated, as well. That is a very much appreciated trait that you have.

@soundsrelaxing888 Жыл бұрын

You need a new doctor asap

@jfouts1979 Жыл бұрын

@@soundsrelaxing888 I have medicaid. I recently was able to go see a different rheumatologist. That rheumatologist said I needed to go to a place like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, or Vanderbilt. With Medicaid, you have to have a separate referral for each specialty you are going to see. My primary care doctor said I just need to give up and accept things as they are. I did not like that response whatsoever. I cannot write my own referrals. I am so tired, and I cannot begin at the beginning yet again, with yet another new doctor....

@anneeder2620 2 жыл бұрын

My Ana was. 1:160 and speckled..my rheumatologist thought because of my compliments being normal that I don’t have a auto immune problem. I’m miserable and I don’t understand. I do have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. I’m so upset. I’m not sure what else to do. My complement 3 was 161.

@anneeder2620 2 жыл бұрын

Plus my c4 was 33

@augustinadebrah8851 Ай бұрын

Good morning Doctor. Please my complement C5 is very high. My doctor said she can't refer because she doesn't understand what it means. Please help.

@breklein3338 2 жыл бұрын

I have Sjogren's and my C3 ahs been both high and low in the past, why?

@soundsrelaxing888 Жыл бұрын

My c3 is high but my ana was pos now it's neg with a neg DNA. This lupus is a mess. I have so much inflammation

@chio106 Жыл бұрын

Hi what does it mean if you have a high C1q, c3 and c4?

@litebrite42780 6 ай бұрын

I have the same question, why is my C3 211 and they checked for infection which I don’t have. My HS CRP is 10. Why am I so inflamed

@fallen177 2 жыл бұрын

What do you do when you get sick 😷 from a treatment and the Dr won't talk to you you can't breath 🫁 heart feels like it is going to smashed by your rib cage

@heatherr1141 2 жыл бұрын

Keep asking dr. Set an appointment for asap! Call the dr office and ask nurse. Switch Dr if they don’t answer ir always give you a hard time. You don’t have a good dr patients relationship and need to find one. Good luck! You deserve someone who will answer your questions and take side effects more seriously!

@aprilrobinson7859 Жыл бұрын

Elevated heart rate can make you feel like you can’t breath, however a medication causing such high heart rate or difficulty breathing is should not be taken.

@LM-wq4fe 2 жыл бұрын

What if your c3 and c4 is normal but ch50 is above the max for your lab?

@bigdawgz4530 7 ай бұрын

That's my situation, as well, and I can't find any answers to that question.....and it's going to be a very looooong 3 weeks until my Rheumatology follow-up.

@lindasplaylist100 2 жыл бұрын

What about a high compliment?

@ConnectedRheumatology 2 жыл бұрын

Just like having low complements can be associated with some autoimmune diseases, having persistently elevated complements can be seen in others. And just like with low complements, high complements have to be taken in context of the bigger picture: what are the other lab findings? what are the symptoms?

@CANDGIRL271 10 ай бұрын

Mines high sed rate, high CRP

@leeannblackburn6901 5 ай бұрын

My son has high levels in c4

@cristyalvarado9023 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you can give your opinion pls, my primary dr did an ANA test wich one of them come positive and she told me I have lupus she told me to go to a specialist rheumatologist so they can treat me so I went to specialist and I show the Anna test and the rheumatologist told waiitttt a min!! Not because you had an Anna positive means you have lupus that's my job to tell you not your primary doctor so she ask me some questions like if I ever fevers, a butterfly like rash on my face or if my joints hurts and I say no then she told me I will run some test to make sure you dont have it so she did the test where I saw c3 and c4 and dont remember the other one but everything came negative and she told me see I told you, you dont have lupus and i went back to my primary dr for a follow up to see what the rheumatologist told me and she said nope those test the rheumatologist did is not for lupus go to another rheumatologist because once your positive on anna test is positive what should I do??? Pls help

@JamiesLife 2 жыл бұрын

Your primary is wrong It's honestly insane that they would tell you you were positive just because you had a positive Anna does not mean you have lupus honestly I've had several positive and several negative as well Unfortunately they come and go they can change quite quickly depending on your symptoms if you're in a flare it might be positive or if you're not it might be negative do you know what your score was was that would be interesting to find out and also your primary is not the person to diagnose you if you did have lupus that's a rheumatologist's job I really wouldn't recommend listening to the primary if they tried to say that you had it if you didn't if the doctor did all your tests in your test were negative and you're not having the symptoms and I wouldn't really worry about it

@soundsrelaxing888 Жыл бұрын

Go to another doctor. You won't have every symptom. Lupus goes Positive and then negative. I had pos and neg. No dsDNA but titer 1:80. Tested again all came back neg but the compliment is in the red it isn't low and it's saying I have an autoimmune disease...... It's might be pointing towards kidney damage or something with my kidneys. I go to a Rheumatologist doctor soon. Go to a hematologist as well. Don't stop at one doctor

@cristyalvarado9023 Жыл бұрын

@@soundsrelaxing888 thank you I went to another rheumatologist and everything came normal I went to neurologist it came everything good I went to neurologist and everything came good as well 🙏

@cristyalvarado9023 Жыл бұрын

@@JamiesLife thank you for replying Jamie I went to another rheumatologist they run all the test and they came negative I also went to the neurologist and some other everything came good thanks God I only have allergies 😅🙈😁

@howardroll5068 Жыл бұрын

Primary should know that making a lupus diagnosis is not that simple, & should have referred you to a specialist for more definitive testing & diagnosis. Hope your primary simply wanted to minimizei the hassle for you.