title: Confirmatory tests for the dry eye of Sjögren's syndrome.
abstract: The diagnosis of moderate degrees of tear depletion is difficult using conventional tests such as the Schirmer test, clinical evidence and even a confirmatory test such as the lysozyme test. We have refined the lysozyme test using quantitative techniques and calibrated standards. We found this satisfactory on a population basis, but not on an individual basis. We developed an ELISA test for assaying five tear proteins 'lysozyme, lactoferrin, ceruloplasmin, IgA and IgG' which gives a much more accurate assessment of dryness on an individual patient level.
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Mackie
authors.forename: D V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Seal
mesh_terms: D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D005136:Eye Proteins; C042434:tear proteins