Sjogren's Antibodies

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly reacts to the tissue in glands that produce moisture, such as tear and salivary glands. Sjögren's Syndrome can affect anyone at any age, but the majority of those afflicted are older than 40, and women are nine times more likely than men to have the disorder. It is estimated to be the second most common autoimmune disease, after lupus. 

Criteria for diagnosis include, for example, signs and symptoms and positive tests for ANA, anti-SSA and anti-SSB, and/or Rheumatoid factor (RF) as well as a positive salivary gland biopsy.

anti-SSA antibodies are often found together with anti-SSB. However, anti-SSA antibodies alone are often found in lupus, particularly in limited forms of the disease. anti-SSA often appears before anti-SSB.

Specific biomarkers to look at:

SS-A (or Ro) and SS-B (or La): These are the marker antibodies for Sjögren's and the most common antibodies associated with Sjogren’s syndrome. Seventy percent of Sjögren’s patients are positive for SS-A and 40% are positive for SS-B (these may also be found in lupus patients).

ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody): ANAs are a group of antibodies that react against normal components of a cell nucleus. About 70% of Sjögren’s patients have a positive ANA test result. (you find this marker in our Immune system category)

RF (Rheumatoid Factor): This antibody test is indicative of a rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus and Sjögren’s. It doesn’t, however, specify which rheumatic disease a person has. In Sjögren’s patients, 60-70% have a positive RF. (you find this marker in our Immune system category)

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): This test measures inflammation. An elevated ESR indicates the presence of an inflammatory disorder, including Sjögren’s. (you find this marker in our Immune system category)

IGs (Immunoglobulins): These are normal blood proteins that participate in immune reactions and are usually elevated in Sjögren’s patients. (you find this marker in our Immune system category)