SJOGRENS SYNDROME ANTIBODIES

Sjogren’s Syndrome Antibodies

This is a simple blood test used to detect the presence of specific antibodies (type of proteins) which help in diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease wherein antibodies are formed in the body which destroy the healthy moisture secreting glands such as salivary glands and tear glands. In later stages of this disease there may be involvement of joints, lungs and kidneys, skin and nerves. The most common symptoms of this disease are dry eyes and dry mouth. Since it is a type of immune disorder it is usually associated with other autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. Women over 40 years are mostly affected with this disease.

This disease has genetic aetiology but some viral or bacterial infection can be a triggering factor. It may lead to various complications in a person like dental cavities, yeast infection in mouth and visual disturbances due to corneal damage. In later stages it may lead to pneumonia, hepatitis, cancer of lymph glands (lymphoma) and neuropathy. The patients of this disease are managed symptomatically along with steroids.

Why is this test prescribed?

Your health care provider may ask you to undergo this test in certain conditions;

• Presence of symptoms of dry eyes such as excessive blinking tired eyes and corneal ulcers
• Presence of symptoms of dry mouth like excessive thirst and difficulty in swallowing
• Presence of other symptoms like joint pains, fatigue, redness of skin ,muscle pain, numbness and tingling sensation in feet and toes, dryness of vagina

What are the components of this test?

This test includes detection of certain antibodies specific for Sjogren’s syndrome such as anti-SSA(also called anti-Ro) and anti –SSB(also called anti-La).approximately 50%of patients with this syndrome have positive antibody test.anti-SSA antibody is found to be positive more commonly than anti –SSB antibody. However anti-SSB antibodies are more specific for this syndrome.

Procedure and Prerequisites

The sample for this test is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel pain due to needle prick. No preparation is needed before this test.

Reference range

Result may be positive or negative for these antibodies