Sarcoidosis (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, Serum) Test

Private MD Lab Services offers the following Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) serum test to help diagnose sarcoidosis:

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE), Serum Level $49.49

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What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the body's tissues. Inflammation is a basic response of the body's immune system to injury and usually causes reddened skin, warmth, swelling, and pain. However, inflammation from sarcoidosis is different. The inflammation produces small lumps called granulomas. It can happen in any part of the body. Most often it starts in the lungs, but other places it may attack are the skin, liver, lymph glands, spleen, eyes, nervous system (including the brain), muscles and bones, heart, and kidneys.

The disease is most common in adults between 20 and 40 years old. In the US, African Americans are more likely to have the disease.

How does it occur?

The cause of the disease is not known. It may be a problem with the immune system. It is not contagious and there is no evidence that it can be inherited.

What are the symptoms?

Most people have no symptoms. Others may have just one symptom or many. When symptoms do occur they may develop gradually or very quickly. Symptoms depend on the part of the body that is affected. Examples of possible symptoms are:

shortness of breath
cough
enlarged lymph nodes (most common in the neck)
fever
tiredness or weakness
weight loss or loss of appetite
rash
eye problems (itching, burning, red eyes, blurred vision, dryness)
joint stiffness.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. You will probably have some tests, such as:

chest x-ray
blood tests
biopsy, which is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the part of your body that seems to be affected.

What is the treatment?

In many cases no treatment is needed. Sarcoidosis symptoms often go away gradually on their own.

If you are having symptoms, your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help control the symptoms. Prednisone is the main treatment. It helps reduce inflammation. Other medicines, including ones that suppress the immune system, may be used. Your provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat inflammation and pain. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen.

You may need to take medicine for a couple of years. If you have severe symptoms, you may need to take medicine for many years.

While you have the disease, you will have follow-up tests and checkups. You will probably need to have chest x-rays, eye tests, blood tests, and breathing tests every few months or so.

How long do the effects last?

Usually sarcoidosis is a mild condition and does not cause lasting problems. In most cases the symptoms go away with or without treatment within a few years. In some cases the inflammation may continue and scar tissue may form. This can cause organ damage. For example, it may damage the lungs and make it harder to breathe.

How can I take care of myself?

Talk with your health care provider about whether or not to use drugs to help stop the inflammation caused by sarcoidosis. Follow your provider's instructions.
Do not smoke.
Keep away from substances such as dusts and chemicals, which can harm the lungs.
See your provider every year for a checkup.
Have an eye exam every year.

Severe sarcoidosis can reduce the chance of becoming pregnant, particularly for older women. However, many women have given birth to healthy babies while being treated for sarcoidosis. Women who have sarcoidosis and are planning to have a baby should discuss this with their health care provider.

How can I help prevent sarcoidosis?

Until the cause of sarcoidosis is understood, there is no known way to prevent sarcoidosis.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE), Serum Level $49.49

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