From the Guidelines
Sjögren's syndrome is typically diagnosed using a combination of clinical features and laboratory markers, with anti-SSA (Ro) and anti-SSB (La) antibodies being the most specific lab markers, as supported by the most recent evidence from 2024 1. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome involves a range of laboratory tests and clinical evaluations. Key laboratory markers include:
- Anti-SSA (Ro) and anti-SSB (La) antibodies, which are present in approximately 70-90% of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which are positive in about 80% of patients
- Rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Elevated immunoglobulins (particularly IgG)
- Complement levels Tests for salivary and lacrimal gland function, such as Schirmer's test and salivary flow rate, are also important in diagnosis. Minor salivary gland biopsy showing focal lymphocytic sialadenitis is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Complete blood count may show anemia or leukopenia, and inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP may be elevated. The most recent study from 2024 1 highlights the importance of serological examination for anti-Sjögren syndrome A antibody (SSA or anti-Ro), anti-Sjögren syndrome B antibody (SSB or anti-La), rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody in patients suspected of having Sjögren’s syndrome. Additionally, other studies 1 provide further evidence on the diagnosis and management of Sjögren's syndrome, but the 2024 study 1 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence.
From the Research
Skogren Lab Marker
- The Skogren lab marker is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the studies discuss various markers and antibodies associated with Sjögren's syndrome, such as anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These antibodies are considered hallmark antibodies in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and are present in 60-70% of patients 3.
- The presence of autoantibodies, including anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB, is one of the hallmarks of Sjögren's syndrome and has a central role in the diagnosis and classification of the disease 4.
- The studies also mention other autoantibodies, such as ANA, RF, and anti-CCP, which can be associated with Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune diseases 4, 6.
- The clinical and serological characteristics of patients with anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B negativity are also discussed in one of the studies, which found that these patients had a different clinical spectrum compared to patients with positivity for these antibodies 6.