Breakthrough Blood Test Available to Detect Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease and those suffering from the condition experience painfully dry eyes and mouth caused from the body’s own cells attacking moisture producing glands. Both genetic factors and non-genetic factors are at play when it comes to the development of the slowly progressive disease.

Immunologists at the State University of New York (Buffalo, NY, USA) working with Immco Diagnostics, Inc. (Buffalo, NY, USA) developed a new diagnostic test that would be used to precisely detect the presence anti-salivary gland protein 1 (SP1) antibodies that have recently been identified in patients with SS.

A recent study revealed that anti-SP1 antibodies were present in the sera of 52% of SS patients while anti-Ro/anti-La was present in 63% of patients. 19% of patients had anti-SP1 without anti-Ro/anti-La. Patients with SS and lymphoma expressed anti-Ro, anti-La, and anti-SP1 together. In SS associated with rheumatoid arthritis, 50% had antibodies anti-SP1 while 40% had anti-Ro/anti-La. In conclusion, anti-SP1 antibodies are commonly seen in both primary and secondary SS and rarely in normal controls.

Prior to the development of Immco Diagnostics’ Sjö blood test, the diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome was considered to be very difficult, often taking an average of 3.9 years from the first signs of symptoms. The novel biomarkers have significantly higher sensitivity and specificity than with traditional screening methods, making them more likely to detect early signs of the disease.

Susan Baker MD, a board certified in both internal medicine and rheumatology, said, “As a rheumatologist, I am very enthused to learn that a new blood test will have the capability to distinguish Sjögren’s Syndrome from other diseases with very similar symptoms. Early detection and having a treatment plan in place for those living with the harsh reality of this disease will prevent more serious complications from occurring down the road. I am hopeful that this will improve patient outcomes.”

Related Links:
State University of New York at Buffalo
Immco Diagnostics, Inc.