Description
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands such as tear and salivary glands. It is a chronic, inflammatory disease that often progresses to a more complex, systemic disorder (affecting other organs in the body such as joints, kidneys, and intestinal tract). It is characterized by infiltration of these glands that are responsible for fluid production by lymphocytes, thus causing decreased saliva (dry mouth), decreased tear production (dry eyes), and drying of other mucous membranes. In addition this syndrome includes swollen salivary glands, feeling of sand or grit in the eyes, difficulty swallowing, joint pain, and decreased sense of taste.
Sjögren's syndrome can affect at any age, but about 90% of those affected are women older than 40.
Presence of Sjögren Antibodies is detected by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
This test helps determining the presence of Sjögren Antibodies in the blood stream.
It is prescribed in people with different symthoms that can vary from person to person, change over time, may include non-specific symptoms such as chronic fatigue and fever, and may involve other body organs such as the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Recognizing and diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome can sometimes be challenging.
May be present as the Primary Sjögren's Syndrome or as Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome, a condition that coexists with other autoimmune disorders, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, polymyositis, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been associated with an increased incidence of lymphoma.
Reference range values
Negative Result: <29AU/mL
Equivocal: 30-40AU/mL
Positive Result: >41AU/mL
Abnormal findings
SSA (Ro) antibody is seen in 70-75% of Sjögren syndrome cases, 30-40% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases, and 5-10% of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) cases.
SSB (La) antibody is seen in 50%-60% of Sjögren syndrome cases and is specific if it is the only ENA antibody detected. 15%-25% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 5-10% of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) also have this antibody.