Serum anti-SS-B/La and IgA rheumatoid factor are markers of salivary gland disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome.
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 (rs = 0.477, P < 0.0025). Serum IgA-RF concentrations correlated inversely with stimulated parotid gland salivary flow rates (rs = -0.394, P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Atkinson
J C
JC
Clinical Investigations and Patient Care Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Travis
W D
WD
Slocum
L
L
Ebbs
W L
WL
Fox
P C
PC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis*; D015415:Biomarkers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D015415:Biomarkers; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; C035357:SS-B antibodies; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor