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.
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
What to look for
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.
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 Sjogren's disease.
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, Hepatitis 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.
Tips for living with Sjögren's disease
Apply a moist warm compress over the eyes when they are feeling dry or at night or use a preservative free eye ointment.
Use an over the counter eye drop throughout the day to soothe the eyes and saliva substitutes or stimulating medicine.
Use a humidifier at night or in work areas and stay well hydrated at all times.
Keep stress to a minimum and schedule regular rest periods.
Limit alcohol and caffeine intake and do not smoke.
Stay active and eat anti inflammatory diet. Eg. whole foods, fruit, vegetables and fish.
Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush and floss frequently. Use of sugar free gum, saliva substitutes and enhancers, mouth moisturisers and remineralising products.
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.
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 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.