Top 10 facts about the world. Hand atrophy is a condition that causes muscles of the hand deteriorate and wither away. Also called muscle wasting, hand atrophy leads the muscles to begin to lose their bulk and strength. This in turn may cause a general decrease in the ability of the hand to move.
Why the test is used: Between 75% and 90% of people with lupus have a positive anti-dsDNA test. Also, the test is very specific for lupus. Therefore, a positive test can be useful in confirming a diagnosis. For many people, the titer, or level, of the antibodies rises as the disease becomes more active.
The anti-dsDNA test may be used to monitor the severity of the disease in a person who has been diagnosed with lupus. Those with lupus often have flare-ups in which symptoms worsen and then subside. An increased anti-dsDNA level may be seen prior to and during these flare-ups.