A blue banner with the words 'Diagnostic process' written on it.


Many individuals share that, although no one expects to develop an autoimmune disease, receiving a diagnosis of Sjögren's brings a sense of relief. After potentially years of not knowing what’s causing their symptoms, they are finally able to name their condition, which allows them to take the necessary steps toward managing their health and leading a fulfilling life with Sjögren's disease.


THERE IS CURRENTLY NO APPROVED MEDICATIONS TARGETED SPECIFICALLY FOR SJÖGRENS. 

However, there are currently stage 3 trials taking place and doctors can use a combination of re purposed medications personalised to help patients.


Tests

Autoantibodies: ANA, SSA/Anti-Ro, SSB/Anti-LA, CCP, RF, ENA, SSA/Anti-Ro60, SSA/Anti-Ro52, SSB/Anti-La etc. (Note: Titers do not correlate with disease severity.

Inflammatory markers: ESR, CRP

Laboratory tests: CBC with differential and platelets, serum potassium, liver function tests (LFTs)

Urine analysis: UA, random urine protein/Cr ratio

Infectious disease screening: HIV, Hep C

If Antibody-negative: Consider a minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB), typically performed via rheumatology consult.

Test criteria

In 2016 The American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology released new criteria for classification of primary Sjögrens disease. 


Based on a points system for different criteria a diagnosis can be established.


  • A positive labial salivary gland biopsy (3 points)
  • A positive serum antibody (3 points)
  • Ocular tests (1 point)
  • Salivary tests (1 point)

A score of 4 or higher confirms a classification of Sjögren's disease.


A doctor is talking to a seated patient

Suspect you have Sjögren's disease?


A General Practitioner (GP) will usually be a patients first port of call. It is important the GP has some specific knowledge around the issue of autoimmune diseases. We are currently working to further educate practitioners all around Australia on Sjögren's disease.


If the GP suspects something is amiss patients may be referred to a rheumatologist, immunologist, ophthalmology and dental or oral medicine practitioners.


These professionals will then go through a patients history and try to piece together the puzzle that is a diagnoses of Sjogren's disease.


Test criteria


In 2016 The American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology released new criteria for classification of primary Sjögrens disease. 


Based on a points system for different criteria a diagnosis can be established.


  • A positive labial salivary gland biopsy (3 points)
  • A positive serum antibody (3 points)
  • Ocular tests (1 point)
  • Salivary tests (1 point)

A score of 4 or higher confirms a classification of Sjögren's disease.



Suspect you have Sjögrens disease?

A General Practitioner (GP) will usually be a patients first port of call. It is important the GP has some specific knowledge around the issue of autoimmune diseases. We are currently working to educate practitioners all around Australia on Sjögren's disease.


If the GP suspects something is amiss patients may be referred to a Rheumatologist, an Immunologist, an Ophthalmologist and dental or oral medicine practitioners.


These professionals will then go through a patients history and try to piece together the puzzle that is a diagnoses of Sjögren's disease.


Available tests

Autoantibodies: ANA, SSA/Anti-Ro, SSB/Anti-LA, CCP, RF, SSA/Anti-Ro60, SSA/Anti-Ro52, SSB/Anti-La etc (Note: Titers do not correlate with disease severity.

  • Inflammatory markers: ESR, CRP
  • Laboratory tests: CBC with differential and platelets, serum potassium, liver function tests (LFTs)
  • Urine analysis: UA, random urine protein/Cr ratio
  • Infectious disease screening: HIV, Hepatitis C

If Antibody-negative: Consider a minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB), typically performed via rheumatology consult.

In 2016 The American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology released new criteria for classification of primary Sjögrens disease. 


Based on a points system for different criteria a diagnosis can be established.


  • A positive labial salivary gland biopsy (3 points)
  • A positive serum antibody (3 points)
  • Ocular tests (1 point)
  • Salivary tests (1 point)

A score of 4 or higher confirms a classification of Sjogren's disease.



A 2023 study involving 900 Sjogrens patients revealed that around 32% were negative for both SSA and SSB antibodies. These patients may be classed as 'Seronegative" but still treated as if they had the disease.