Is it necessary to perform connective tissue disorders laboratory tests when a patient experiences the first demyelinating attack?

BACKGROUND: It may be difficult to differentiate between the first demyelinating attack and the neurological manifestations of connective tissue diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 79 patients with optic neuritis were compared with 79 healthy controls. Their blood samples were tested for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), antiβ2-Glycoprotein I antibody (IgG, IgM), anticardiolipin antibody (IgM, IgG), lupus anticoagulant, anti-double strand DNA (anri-ds DNA), antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-myeloperoxidae (p-ANCA), and anti-Proteinase 3 (C-ANCA). RESULTS: In clinically isolated syndrome group β2-Glycoprotein (IgM) and lupus anti-coagulant were positive in 1.3% of patients whereas ANA was positive in 1.3% and anti-β2-Glycoprotein I (IgM) was positive in 2.5% of control group. No rheumatologic disease was found in objects with positive tests. CONCLUSION: This study shows no specific difference between two groups.