Sjogren's syndrome: direct immunofluorescence in diagnosis.
BACKGROUND
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune inflammatory exocrinopathy. In the classical clinical presentation, diagnosis is readily achieved but this is less easy in early disease or oligosymptomatic forms.


METHODS
We have used direct immunofluorescence (d.i.f.), with IgG antibodies, comparing salivary gland biopsies from subjects with SS compared with control subjects.


RESULTS
Direct immunofluorescence, using antibodies anti-IgG and demonstrating positivity for all the examined champions of SS while it is negative for control biopsies.


CONCLUSIONS
Direct immunofluorescence, on salivary glands by biopsy, can be considered a valid additional aid to the diagnosis of subclinical SS.
Femiano
F
F
Oral Pathology Service, First Department of Odontostomatology, Second University of Naples Medical School, Naples, Italy.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*