Open AccessSerum anti—SS‐B/La and IgA rheumatoid factor are markers of salivary gland disease activity in primary sjögren's syndrome
Author(s) -
Atkinson Jane C.,
Travis William D.,
Slocum Linda,
Ebbs William L.,
Fox Philip C.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780351119
Subject(s) - rheumatoid factor , salivary gland , medicine , disease , sjögren syndrome , autoimmune disease , immunology , systemic disease , immunopathology , rheumatoid arthritis , pathology
Abstract Objective . To identify serologic markers of salivary gland disease activity in 43 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Methods . Comparison of salivary gland biopsies (focus scores) and flow rates with serum concentrations of IgA and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), total serum IgG, serum anti—SS‐B/La antibodies, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Results . Serum anti—SS‐B/La antibody levels correlated with focus scores (r s = 0.477, P < 0.0025). Serum IgA‐RF concentrations correlated inversely with stimulated parotid gland salivary flow rates (r s = −0.394, P < 0.01). Conclusion . Measuring serum levels of anti—SS‐B/La and IgA‐RF would be useful when monitoring salivary responses in therapeutic trials, especially in patients with minimal salivary function.