Atypical autoantibodies in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome: clinical characteristics and follow-up of 82 cases

Impact of Sjögren's syndrome on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between years 2007-2022

OBJECTIVE

To show the impact of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy.

METHODS

We performed a literature search based on PubMed, Web of science, Wan fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and ProQuest databases from 1 January 2007 to 6 November 2022. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 2341 patients and 2472 pregnancies with SS were included in our analysis. This current analysis showed pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia to be significantly higher in pregnant women with SS compared to pregnant women without SS (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.04-2.63; P = 0.03), (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16-3.65; P = 0.01) respectively. Cesarean section, thromboembolic disease, premature rupture of membranes, and spontaneous abortion were also significantly higher in the SS women with OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.48-2.88; P < 0.0001, OR: 9.45, 95% CI: 1.99-44.87; P = 0.005, OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13-1.64; P = 0.001, OR: 9.30, 95% CI: 4.13-20.93; P < 0.00001, respectively. Significantly higher premature births were observed with infants who were born from SS mothers (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.54-3.12; P < 0.0001). Infants defined as 'small for gestational age/intrauterine growth restriction' and 'weighing < 2500 g' were also significantly higher in patients suffering from SS (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.38-3.70; P = 0.001), (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.39-10.61; P = 0.009) respectively. In addition, live birth significantly favored infants who were born from mothers without SS (OR: 21.53, 95% CI: 8.36-55.44; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis by sample size revealed that pregnancy hypertension risk has significantly increased in small cohort (OR: 2.74, 95%CI: 1.45-5.18), and a slight increase was found in population-based studies (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.91-1.43). In both small cohorts and population-based researches, cesarean section was significantly higher in SS (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.52; OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.29-2.64, respectively). The number of infants with intrauterine growth restriction did not grow in the population-based researches (OR: 2.07, 95%CI: 0.92-4.66) although there has been an increase in small reports (OR: 2.53, 95%CI: 1.16-5.51). Subgroup analysis was conducted on the basis of study location (not Asian vs. Asian countries) indicated that cesarean section was significantly higher in SS in both countries (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.31-2.18; OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 2.39-4.77, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis has shown SS to have a high impact on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy.

Epidemiology of Sjögren syndrome

Sjögren syndrome is a phenotypically varied autoimmune disorder that can occur alone in primary Sjögren syndrome or in association with other connective tissue diseases (CTDs), including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The estimation of the prevalence and incidence of Sjögren syndrome varies depending on diagnostic criteria and study design, making it difficult to estimate geographical and temporal trends. Nonetheless, disease phenotype is influenced by geographical origin, which is a risk factor for systemic activity. Whether mortality in primary Sjögren syndrome is increased compared with that of the general population is not yet known, but extra-glandular manifestations, in particular lymphomas, are clear risk factors for mortality. In CTDs associated with Sjögren syndrome, lymphoma risk seems higher than that of patients with CTD alone, and there is potentially lower disease activity in SLE with Sjögren syndrome and in SSc with Sjögren syndrome than in SLE or SSc alone.

Is minor salivary gland biopsy still mandatory in Sjogren's syndrome? Does seronegative Sjogren's syndrome exist?

Sjӧgren's disease (SjD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the chronic inflammation and dysfunction of exocrine glands, mainly salivary glands, causing dryness of the eyes and of the mouth. The disease may affect different organs and tissues with complex and heterogeneous clinical presentation, usually with sicca symptoms, profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, and lymphomas. SjD diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical, serological, and functional tests with histological biomarkers. Minor salivary gland biopsy (mSGB) represents the cornerstone for the diagnosis of SjD, allowing the study of the characteristic focal infiltration of B- and T lymphocytes. Besides, mSGB might also have a prognostic role, being the infiltrates more complex in patients with severe SjD. But biopsy, so far, is not mandatory for SjD and mSG ultrasound and peripheral biomarkers might replace its role in the future. Another important aspect of SjD is the presence of autoantibodies, although 20 to 30% of patients are "seronegative" for specific autoantibodies (ANA, antiRo/SSA, antiLa/SSB). The characteristics of this subset of patients are currently under evaluation and "new" autoantibodies and biomarkers might be necessary for better patient's stratification and follow-up.

The Spectrum of Extraglandular Manifestations in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Extraglandular manifestations (EGMs) in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) represent the clinical expression of the systemic involvement in this disease. EGMs are characterized by a wide heterogeneity; virtually any organ or system can be affected, with various degrees of dysfunction. The existing gaps of knowledge in this complex domain of extraglandular extension in pSS need to be overcome in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy of EGMs in pSS. The timely identification of EGMs, as early as from subclinical stages, can be facilitated using highly specific biomarkers, thus preventing decompensated disease and severe complications. To date, there is no general consensus on the diagnostic criteria for the wide range of extraglandular involvement in pSS, which associates important underdiagnosing of EGMs, subsequent undertreatment and progression to severe organ dysfunction in these patients. This review article presents the most recent basic and clinical science research conducted to investigate pathogenic mechanisms leading to EGMs in pSS patients. In addition, it presents the current diagnostic and treatment recommendations and the trends for future therapeutic strategies based on personalized treatment, as well as the latest research in the field of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for extraglandular involvement in pSS.

Diagnostic role of minor salivary glands biopsy in Sjögren's syndrome: correlations between histology and autoimmunity in a large, monocentric cohort

Introduction

Based on ACR/EULAR classification criteria, minor salivary glands biopsy (MSGB) is a useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The main objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of MSGB, as well as to highlight correlations between histological findings and autoimmune profiles.

Material and methods

We retrospectively evaluated histological and autoimmunity data from patients who underwent MSGB in our department in cases of suspected SS, from March 2011 to December 2018. Salivary gland samples were evaluated using Chisholm and Mason (CM) grading and the focus score (FS).

Results

A total of 1,264 patients (108 males, 1,156 females) were included. The median age was 55.22 ±13.51 years (range: 15-87). In univariate binary logistic regression, CM ≥ 3 and FS ≥ 1 were significantly predicted by antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) and anti-Ro/SSA titer as well as anti-La/SSB, anti-Ro/SSA, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) positivity. In multivariate analysis, CM ≥ 3 and MSGB positivity were significantly associated with ANA titer; FS ≥ 1 was not associated with laboratory findings. A positive biopsy was associated with laboratory findings, as ANA and ENA titers, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, RF and ACPA positivity may discriminate patients with SS-related histological findings.

Conclusions

Minor salivary glands biopsy is a useful tool to diagnose SS in cases of highly suggestive clinical symptoms but in the absence of a specific autoimmunity.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: A case report and literature review

Although cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is known to be induced by autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome, CVT caused by Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is scarcely reported in the medical literature. Since the first report of SS-induced CVT in 1994, only five cases have been reported, and the clinicopathological features of the disease are not well documented. We herein present a case report of a 41-year-old woman who was diagnosed with SS-induced CVT and perform a literature review of six cases of SS-induced CVT with a discussion of the pathogenesis, features of clinic symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of SS-associated CVT. We aim to improve the understanding of SS-induced CVT among clinicians and reduce the incidence of missed clinical diagnoses.

[Sjögren syndrome]

In 1933, the Swedish ophthalmologist Hendrik Sjögren was the first to suggest that behind the dryness that several of his patients presented, there could be a systemic disease related to an abnormal immune response. Since then, the term Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) has been used and it has been considered a minor and infrequent disorder compared to other systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) and, consequently, with little progress both in clinical and therapeutic research. The emergence of new technologies at the end of the 20th century rapidly promoted the development of international projects of great impact and diffusion, which have completely changed this scenario, and in the last 20 years significant progress has been made in understanding the main epidemiological determinants and pathogenic mechanisms to increase the diagnostic accuracy and to design specific and individualized therapeutic strategies. Currently, SjS should be considered one of the most frequent SADs with an undoubtedly systemic phenotype beyond dryness, in which the identification of prognostic factors can allow personalized follow-up and, therefore, early therapeutic interventions that avoid severe, irreversible outcomes.

Dual Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane and Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies-Positive Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a life-threatening disease characterized by rapid progressive deterioration of renal function and extensive formation of crescents. Some antibodies tend to be positive, such as a perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA) and anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies, in most patients with the disease. However, cases of double positivity for the above antibodies are considered to be rare. In addition, both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) are deemed to be independent immune disorders that can cause renal impairment. Nevertheless, the association between RPGN and these two diseases has not been elucidated in previous studies. Here, we provide a case of RPGN with the concurrence of RA and SS characterized by double positivity in anti-GBM antibodies and p-ANCA. After aggressive treatment with cyclophosphamide, glucocorticoids, and plasma exchange, the patient improved significantly. Despite the malignant event of arteriovenous fistula rupture and bleeding during treatment, the patient survived with renal function recovery for the rest of the follow-up period.

Strong Association of Combined Genetic Deficiencies in the Classical Complement Pathway With Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Complete genetic deficiency of the complement component C2 is a strong risk factor for monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but whether heterozygous C2 deficiency adds to the risk of SLE or primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) has not been studied systematically. This study was undertaken to investigate potential associations of heterozygous C2 deficiency and C4 copy number variation with clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and patients with primary SS.

METHODS

The presence of the common 28-bp C2 deletion rs9332736 and C4 copy number variation was examined in Scandinavian patients who had received a diagnosis of SLE (n = 958) or primary SS (n = 911) and in 2,262 healthy controls through the use of DNA sequencing. The concentration of complement proteins in plasma and classical complement function were analyzed in a subgroup of SLE patients.

RESULTS

Heterozygous C2 deficiency-when present in combination with a low C4A copy number-substantially increased the risk of SLE (odds ratio [OR] 10.2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.5-37.0]) and the risk of primary SS (OR 13.0 [95% CI 4.5-48.4]) when compared to individuals with 2 C4A copies and normal C2. For patients heterozygous for rs9332736 with 1 C4A copy, the median age at diagnosis was 7 years earlier in patients with SLE and 12 years earlier in patients with primary SS when compared to patients with normal C2. Reduced C2 levels in plasma (P = 2 × 10^-9 ) and impaired function of the classical complement pathway (P = 0.03) were detected in SLE patients with heterozygous C2 deficiency. Finally, in a primary SS patient homozygous for C2 deficiency, we observed low levels of anti-Scl-70, which suggests a risk of developing systemic sclerosis or potential overlap between primary SS and other systemic autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that a genetic pattern involving partial deficiencies of C2 and C4A in the classical complement pathway is a strong risk factor for SLE and for primary SS. Our results emphasize the central role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of both SLE and primary SS.

Not all autoantibodies are clinically relevant. Classic and novel autoantibodies in Sjögren’s syndrome: A critical review

Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) is a heterogeneous systemic disease. The abnormal responses to La/SSB and Ro/SSA of both B-cells and T-cells are implicated as well as others, in the destruction of the epithelium of the exocrine glands, whose tissue characteristically shows a peri-epithelial lymphocytic infiltration that can vary from sicca syndrome to systemic disease and lymphoma. Despite the appearance of new autoantibodies, anti-Ro/SSA is still the only autoantibody included in the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria and is used extensively as a traditional biomarker in clinical practice. The study and findings of new autoantibodies in SjS has risen in the previous decade, with a central role given to diagnosis and elucidating new aspects of SjS physiopathology, while raising the opportunity to establish clinical phenotypes with the goal of predicting long-term complications. In this paper, we critically review the classic and the novel autoantibodies in SjS, analyzing the methods employed for detection, the pathogenic role and the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes.

Serum ANCA as Disease Biomarkers: Clinical Implications Beyond Vasculitis

Usually associated with autoimmune diseases, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies are also detected in other conditions, such as infections, malignancies, and after intake of certain drugs. Even if the mechanisms of production and their pathogenic role have not been fully elucidated yet, ANCA are widely recognized as a clinically alarming finding due to their association with various disorders. While ANCA target several autoantigens, proteinase-3, and myeloperoxidase are the ones proved to be most frequently related to chronic inflammation and tissue damage in murine models. Albeit these autoantibodies could be present as an isolated observation without any implications, ANCA are frequently used in clinical practice to guide the diagnosis in a suspect of small vessel vasculitis. Conditions that should prompt the clinician to test ANCA status range from various forms of lung disease to renal or peripheral nervous system impairment. ANCA positivity in the presence of an autoimmune disease, especially rheumatoid arthritis, or connective tissue diseases, is frequently correlated with more clinical complications and treatment inefficacy, even in the absence of signs of vasculitis. For this reason, it has been postulated that ANCA could represent the final expression of an immune dysregulation rather than a pathogenic event responsible for organs damage. Recently, it has also been proposed that ANCA specificity (PR3 or MPO) could possibly define ANCA-associated vasculitides better than clinical phenotype. This review aims at summarizing the latest advancements in the field of ANCA study and clinical interpretation.

Scleroderma-specific autoantibodies: Should they be included in the diagnostic work-up for Sjögren's syndrome?

OBJECTIVES

Sicca complaints are a frequent reason for rheumatologic consultation. Testing for specific antibodies against Ro/SSA and La/SSB antigens and minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy are among the main tools implemented in the diagnostic work-up. Anticentromere antibodies and sicca manifestations are frequently detected in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), respectively. Herein, we aimed to determine the frequency and clinical associations of a wide spectrum of scleroderma (SSc)-specific autoantibodies in consecutive patients referred for evaluation of possible SS.

METHODS

Demographic, clinico-pathological, and laboratory data were recorded in 216 consecutive patients with sicca complaints. All study participants were tested for SSc-specific autoantibodies (against CENP, PM/Scl, Scl-70, Ku, NOR90, RP11, RP155, fibrillarin, PDGFR, and Th/To) using a commercially available immunoblot kit. According to band intensity, the identified autoantibodies were further classified in those with strong and medium titers.

RESULTS

SSc-specific autoantibodies were detected in 41.7% (90/216) patients evaluated (19% at strong, 22.7% at medium titers) without significant differences between anti-Ro/SSA positive and negative groups. At strong titers was significantly higher in patients with MSG biopsies fulfilling SS histopathological criteria (30% vs 12.5%, p = 0.009). This association remained significant after adjustment for antibodies against Ro/SSA and La/SSB autoantigens [OR 95% (CI): 4.1 (1.5-10.6)].

CONCLUSION

SSc-specific autoantibodies are frequently detected among patients presenting with sicca complaints and at strong but not medium titers are independently associated with MSG biopsy positivity. Taken together, these data imply a useful role of SSc antibody testing in the diagnostic work-up and possibly in the classification criteria for SS.

Primary Sjögren syndrome and development of another autoimmune rheumatic disease during the follow-up

Background

Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with its main target being exocrine glands, and is the connective tissue disease more frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of another autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) developed in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients and to describe it’s clinical, serological and histologic characteristics.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. Data of patients with pSS diagnosis (American-European criteria 2002), included in the GESSAR database (Grupo de Estudio Síndrome de Sjögren, Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología) were analyzed. The development of a second ARD was registered during the follow up.

Results

681 patients were included, 94.8% female. The mean age was 54 (SD 14) years and mean age at diagnosis of 50 (SD 13) years. The mean follow-up was 4.7 (SD 4.9) years; 30 patients (4.41%, CI 95%: 3.1–5.7) developed a second ARD during the follow up, incidence rate was 9.1/1000 patients-year (IR 95%: 5.8–12.4/1000 patients-year), the most frequent being rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 96% out of these 30 patients had xerophthalmia, 86.2% xerostomia, 92% positive Schirmer test, 88.24% positive Rosa Bengala test, lisamine green or Ocular Staining Score, 81.2% positive unstimulated salivary flow, 82.1% Ro(+) and 33.33% La(+). Minor salivary gland biopsy had been performed in 14 of the 30 patients, 12 with positive results. There were no statistically significant differences respect baseline characteristics when comparing the patients who developed another ARD to the ones that did not.

Conclusions

Of all the patients analyzed, 4.4% presented another ARD during their follow-up. It is important to be aware of this, to make an early and proper diagnosis and treatment of our patients.

Sjögren syndrome overlapping with ANCA-associated vasculitis: Four additional cases and systematic literature review

OBJECTIVES

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have distinct clinical presentation and evolution, with paucity of reports on overlap syndrome. We aimed to better characterize this entity.

METHODS

We report four additional cases from the Montpellier university hospital. We also performed a systematic literature review, according to PRISMA guidelines, in Medline, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library, and grey literature. Demographic, clinical, and paraclinical data on SS and AAV were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 3133 articles was identified in databases, with 2695 articles screened for eligibility. After exclusion, we had 30 articles on 40 patients to analyse, in addition to 4 patients from our local recruitment (44 patients overall). Patients were female in 81.8%, with median age at AAV onset of 63.5 years. All patients but one presented with SS before, or concomitantly to the diagnosis of AAV, with a median delay of 12 months between both diagnoses. AAV predominantly had renal involvement (35/44 patients, 79.5%), anti-MPO antibodies being the most frequent (35 patients), even in patients presenting with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. We observed significantly more Raynaud phenomenon and associated auto-immune diseases in the group of non-granulomatous AAV (10 patients versus 1, p = 0.015 and 8 patients versus 0, p = 0.013, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest descriptive study on the association between SS and AAV, providing information on this challenging diagnosis and interplay between these two diseases. Particular attention should be paid in the first months after diagnosis, given the specific complications and outcomes of each disease.

Autoantibodies in Common Connective Tissue Diseases: A Primer for Laboratory Professionals

Background

Autoimmune connective tissue disorders are a significant health concern throughout the world with an estimated prevalence of 3% to 5%. They are associated with a variety of autoantibodies that play roles in their diagnosis, risk stratification, prognostication, and/or management. While some autoantibodies have been well-characterized for use in clinical laboratories, many more are in the research stage. Rapid transition from research to clinical practice, lack of clinical guidelines, and harmonization across a rapidly growing number of commercially available tests create numerous challenges to clinicians and laboratories.

Content

This article briefly discusses common connective tissue disorders and their association with well-known autoantibodies, describes current methods used in clinical laboratories, and outlines their advantages and limitations in the context of these diseases.

Summary

Understanding the role of specific autoantibodies and various methodologies for autoantibody testing are important for laboratory professionals who may be introducing/repatriating new tests, updating existing tests, or advising clinicians/patients about testing options/results. Collaboration between laboratory professional staff and clinicians, around the advantages and limitations of each methodology, is also important in their appropriate clinical utilization.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of major salivary glands in anti-centromere antibody-positive primary Sjögren's syndrome

Purpose

To investigate salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) findings in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients positive for the anti-centromere antibody (ACA) and compare these with those in ACA-negative pSS patients.

Methods

We analyzed demographic, clinical, laboratory, and SGUS data of pSS patients who fulfilled the 2002 American-European Consensus Group classification criteria for pSS. SGUS findings of four major salivary glands (bilateral parotid and submandibular glands) were scored in five categories and compared between ACA-positive and ACA-negative pSS patients. Linear regression analysis was performed to elucidate the factors associated with SGUS score.

Results

In total, 121 pSS patients were enrolled (19, ACA-positive). The ACA-positive patients were older (67.0 vs 58.0 years, P = 0.028), whereas anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB positivity was more prevalent in the ACA-negative group (89.2% vs 21.1%, P < 0.001, and 47.1% vs 10.5%, P = 0.007, respectively). The total SGUS and hypoechoic area scores were lower in ACA-positive patients (16.0 vs 23.0, P = 0.027, and 4.0 vs 7.0, P = 0.004, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, being positive for unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR < 1.5 ml/15 min), anti-Ro/SSA, and rheumatoid factor were positively associated whereas ACA positivity was negatively associated with the SGUS score. In multivariate regression analysis, being positive for USFR, anti-Ro/SSA, and rheumatoid factor showed significant association with the SGUS score.

Conclusions

ACA-positive pSS patients showed a lower SGUS score than ACA-negative patients, which was especially prominent in the hypoechoic area component.

Clinical influences of anticentromere antibody on primary Sjögren's syndrome in a prospective Korean cohort

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study was performed to clarify influences of anticentromere antibody (ACA) on clinical phenotypes of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients in Korea.

METHODS

We assessed 318 patients who met the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for pSS. All patients were selected from the Korean Initiative of primary Sjögren's Syndrome (KISS), a prospective cohort. Among them, 53 patients were positive for ACA, while another 265 patients were not. We compared various clinical data including demographic features, extra-glandular manifestations (EGMs), clinical indices, and laboratory values available from the KISS database between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients in the ACA-positive pSS group were older (p = 0.042), and had higher xerostomia inventory scores (p = 0.040), whereas glandular dysfunction represented with Schirmer I test was more severe in the ACA-negative group. More frequent Raynaud's phenomenon and liver involvement (both p < 0.001) and less articular involvement (p = 0.037) were observed among the EGMs in the ACA-positive group. Less frequency of leukopenia (p = 0.021), rheumatoid factor (p < 0.001), anti-Ro/SSA antibody positivity (p < 0.001), and hypergammaglobulinemia (p = 0.006), as well as higher positivity rates of anti-nuclear antibody and anti-topoisomerase antibody (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively) were found in the laboratory data in the ACA-positive pSS group.

CONCLUSION

Considering distinct phenotypes in hematological and serological features and EGMs, we should monitor the occurrence of these clinical features among pSS patients with ACA in caution.

Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Presenting as Recurrent Ischemic Strokes

Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome (PSS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy, with protean manifestations affecting multiple organ systems. Neurological manifestations are documented in about 20% of PSS cohorts in literature, with peripheral manifestations being commoner. Central nervous system manifestations of PSS (CNS-SS) encompass ischemic strokes, demyelinating lesions, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia, cognitive impairment and movement disorders. Ischemic stroke as presenting manifestation of PSS is extremely rare. We hereby describe a 50-year-old male, who presented for evaluation of 2 episodes of discrete focal neurological deficits over a duration of 6 weeks, with neuro-imaging findings revealing evidence of acute-subacute bihemispheric infarcts. Further evaluation revealed evidence of strongly positive anti phospholipid antibodies (aPL), indirect immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody (IIF-ANA), anti Sjögren’s syndrome-A (SS-A/Ro) and anti-Ribonuclear protein (RNP) antibodies, with histopathological evidence of periductal and periacinar lymphocytic infiltration as well as acinar atrophy and interstitial fibrosis of minor salivary glands on lip biopsy, consistent with a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, constituting a diagnosis of Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) associated with PSS.

Clinical features and outcomes from the Singapore Sjögren's syndrome study

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) in a Singapore cohort from an outpatient rheumatology clinic.

METHODS

Computerised Physician Order entry records of patients who fulfilled the 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria for pSS between 1993 and 2013 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

There were 102 patients, of which 96 (94.1%) were females, and 91 (89.2%) Chinese. Mean age at diagnosis was 49.3 ± 11.8 years, mean disease duration was 9.0 ± 4.6 years. The most common manifestations were keratoconjunctivitis sicca (99.0%), xerostomia (96.1%), arthralgia/arthritis (56.9%). Exocrine glandular enlargement comprised parotidomegaly (28, 27.5%), with concurrent submandibular and lacrimal gland enlargement in one. The nervous system (15.7%) was the most commonly affected internal organ, with peripheral nervous system (peripheral neuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex) involvement more common than central. Hydroxychloroquine was most frequently used (88.2%), followed by methotrexate (7.8%) and azathioprine (6.9%). Pulsed intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone 500 mg/day for 3 days was used in 5 patients followed by oral (4) or IV cyclophosphamide (1) for cardiomyopathy and interstitial lung disease (1), and neurological involvement (4). These comprised neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelopathy, cranial neuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex and/or peripheral neuropathy alone or in combination. Intravenous immunoglobulins (2.0%) was used for sensory neuropathy and mononeuritis multiplex; rituximab (1.0%) in 1 patient for treatment of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal manifestations were common, with the nervous system (peripheral more than central) the most common internal organ involved. Lymphoma was uncommon despite up to one-third of the cohort developing glandular enlargement.

Expression of the Autoantigen Topoisomerase-1 is Enriched in the Lung Tissues of Patients With Autoimmune Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Control Study

BACKGROUND

Among the autoimmune rheumatic diseases, it is striking that autoantibodies targeting ubiquitously expressed proteins (eg, topoisomerase-1) associate with specific clinical complications (eg, interstitial lung disease [ILD]). It has been proposed that enriched antigen expression in inflamed target tissue may play a role in focusing the autoimmune response. We sought to determine whether topoisomerase-1 expression is enriched in lungs from patients with autoimmune/inflammatory diseases relative to normal lung.

METHODS

We used a 99-core lung tissue microarray (TMA) containing lung tissue from 40 patients with autoimmune inflammatory ILD (cases) and 46 control subjects with normal lungs. We stained the TMA with antibodies to compare topoisomerase-1 and CD8 expression between patients and control subjects and evaluated whether expression is enriched in specific cell types. Staining was analyzed, and statistical comparisons were performed.

RESULTS

Cases were more likely to have global topoisomerase-1 expression (53% vs 21%; P = 0.003), specifically in pneumocytes (47% vs 16%; P = 0.003) and stromal/immune cells (32% vs 5%; P = 0.002) compared with control subjects. CD8 cell density (223 cells/mm² vs 102 cells/mm² ; P = 0.018) was significantly higher in topoisomerase-1-positive lung tissues compared with topoisomerase-1-negative lung tissues. Interestingly, topoisomerase-1 expression was significantly more common in scleroderma compared with normal lung (67% vs 21%; P = 0.036) and was present more frequently in pneumocytes in these patients (67% vs 16%; P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary expression of topoisomerase-1 is increased in the setting of autoimmune ILD relative to normal lung, specifically in pneumocytes. This may contribute to the amplification of pulmonary disease in patients with scleroderma with a loss of tolerance to topoisomerase-1.

2020 international consensus on ANCA testing beyond systemic vasculitis

This document follows up on a 2017 revised international consensus on anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) testing in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis and focuses on the clinical and diagnostic value of ANCA detection in patients with connective tissue diseases, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, autoimmune liver diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease, infections, malignancy, and during drug treatment. Current evidence suggests that in certain settings beyond systemic vasculitis, ANCA may have clinical, pathogenic and/or diagnostic relevance. Antigen-specific ANCA targeting proteinase-3 and myeloperoxidase should be tested by solid phase immunoassays in any patient with clinical features suggesting ANCA-associated vasculitis and in all patients with anti-GBM disease, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and infective endocarditis associated with nephritis, whereas in patients with other aforementioned disorders routine ANCA testing is not recommended. Among patients with autoimmune liver diseases or inflammatory bowel diseases, ANCA testing may be justified in patients with suspected autoimmune hepatitis type 1 who do not have conventional autoantibodies or in case of diagnostic uncertainty to discriminate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease. In these cases, ANCA should be tested by indirect immunofluorescence as the target antigens are not yet well characterized. Many questions concerning the optimal use of ANCA testing in patients without ANCA-associated vasculitis remain to be answered.

Co-Existence of Sarcoidosis and Sjögren's Syndrome with Hypercalcemia and Renal Involvement: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are chronic multi-system inflammatory diseases of unknown origin that most commonly attack the salivary glands. Both of the diseases have vague and non-specific symptoms, causing difficulties for the clinicians to distinguish between the two diseases. Main diagnostic criteria of SS exclude sarcoidosis. However, a co-existence of both diseases should be noted. Here, a case of co-existing sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome is reported, complicated with severe hypercalcemia and renal failure, in addition to a literature review.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of daily progressive oral dryness, thirst, and blurred vision with a feeling of dry eyes for a one-year duration. His physical examination showed enlargement of both sides of cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes. Lung auscultation showed decreased breath sounds with bibasilar inspiratory crackles. However, initial laboratory results revealed severe hypercalcemia with moderate hypercalciuria and renal failure. The final diagnosis was co-existing SS and sarcoidosis according to clinical, radiological, and laboratory data. The patient received oral prednisone therapy for 18 months. After a follow-up of years, the serum calcium concentration, renal function, and chest CT scan remained normal after prednisone treatment stopped for more than 18 months.

CONCLUSION

In the literature, calcium metabolic disorder and renal involvement have not been reported among patients with Sarcoidosis and Sjögren's syndrome, suggesting that calcium metabolic disorder may be underestimated. Serum and urine calcium concentration should be measured in addition to routine laboratory tests.

P2 Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in the Salivary Gland: From Physiology to Dysfunction

Although often overlooked in our daily lives, saliva performs a host of necessary physiological functions, including lubricating and protecting the oral cavity, facilitating taste sensation and digestion and maintaining tooth enamel. Therefore, salivary gland dysfunction and hyposalivation, often resulting from pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome or from radiotherapy of the head and neck region during cancer treatment, severely reduce the quality of life of afflicted patients and can lead to dental caries, periodontitis, digestive disorders, loss of taste and difficulty speaking. Since their initial discovery in the 1970s, P2 purinergic receptors for extracellular nucleotides, including ATP-gated ion channel P2X and G protein-coupled P2Y receptors, have been shown to mediate physiological processes in numerous tissues, including the salivary glands where P2 receptors represent a link between canonical and non-canonical saliva secretion. Additionally, extracellular nucleotides released during periods of cellular stress and inflammation act as a tissue alarmin to coordinate immunological and tissue repair responses through P2 receptor activation. Accordingly, P2 receptors have gained widespread clinical interest with agonists and antagonists either currently undergoing clinical trials or already approved for human use. Here, we review the contributions of P2 receptors to salivary gland function and describe their role in salivary gland dysfunction. We further consider their potential as therapeutic targets to promote physiological saliva flow, prevent salivary gland inflammation and enhance tissue regeneration.

Patients with ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis and Connective Tissue Diseases: A Comparative Study from the Maine-Anjou AAV Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The overlap between antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) and connective tissue diseases (CTD) has been reported mainly as case series in the literature. Frequency of this association, as well as presentation and outcomes are unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients from the Maine-Anjou ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) registry with ANCA-GN diagnosed between 01/01/2000 and 01/01/2018, ANCA positivity, and at least six months of follow-up, were included.

RESULTS

106 out of 142 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. CTD was present at ANCA-GN diagnosis in 16 (15.1%) patients. The most common CTD were rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Compared to the control group, females were more represented in the CTD group (75%, p = 0.001). Renal presentation was comparable between groups, including the pathological analysis of renal biopsies. Patients of CTD group presented a higher rate of non-renal relapse (25% versus 7.7%, p = 0.037), and experienced more frequently a venous thrombotic event (31.2% versus 10%, p = 0.021). No difference between groups was observed according to major outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Association between CTD and ANCA-GN is not a rare condition and predominantly affects females. While AAV presentation is not significantly different, CTD patients experience more frequently non-renal relapse and venous thrombotic events.

Prognostic value of Sjögren's syndrome autoantibodies

Sjögren's syndrome is in part considered an autoimmune disease because patient sera contain antibodies binding self-structures. In fact, in addition to anti-Ro (or SSA) and anti-La (or SSB), which are included in the classification criteria, there are a wide variety of autoantibodies found among these patients. We reviewed English-language MEDLINE sources. Anti-Ro and anti-La found among healthy individuals, including mothers giving birth to infants with neonatal lupus, predicts future connective tissue disease. Those with Sjögren's syndrome can be divided into two groups; patients with only exocrine gland involvement and those with systemic disease. The presence of anti-Ro/La is associated with systemic, extraglandular disease. Rheumatoid factor is also associated with extraglandular disease while anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) is likely associated with inflammatory arthritis and progression to rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-mitochondrial antibodies are uncommon but predict progression to primary biliary cirrhosis. Cryoglobulinemia is found in excess among those with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Determination of autoantibodies on the sera of Sjögren's syndrome patients has prognostic implications for Sjögren's syndrome itself as well as associated diseases.

Tooth loss in Sjögren's syndrome patients compared to age and gender matched controls

BACKGROUND

To analyze the prevalence and location of tooth loss in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients and compare them with an age- and gender-matched control group.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dental charts and x-rays of 108 (SS) patients were retrieved from an academic dental center and special care dentistry department. For each SS patient, an age- and gender-matched non-SS patient was randomly selected. Medication, number of extractions and date and location of extractions were assessed. Differences between SS and non-SS patients were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Significantly more SS patients were edentulous compared to the non-SS group (14.8% versus 1.9%, p = 0.001). SS patients had a 61% higher risk to have experienced one or more extractions than control patients. In the SS group, there was a non-significant tendency for more maxillary teeth to have been extracted than mandibular teeth (42:34). In the control group, the number of extractions in the maxilla and mandible were comparable (21:20). When divided into sextants, the number of SS patients with one or more extractions was significantly higher than for non-SS patients for each sextant (p = 0.001 to p = 0.032). The largest difference in the proportion of patients with one or more extractions between the SS and non-SS patients occurred in the upper anterior sextant (3.4 times more frequent).

CONCLUSIONS

SS patients are more prone to experience dental extractions compared to patients without SS. It could be speculated that this is related to a decreased salivary secretion.

Emergence of Smoldering ANCA-associated Glomerulonephritis during the Clinical Course of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Sjögren's Syndrome

A 67-year-old woman presented with hematuria and proteinuria 16 and 11 months ago, respectively. She had been followed up as mixed connective tissue disease and Sjögren's syndrome for over 19 years. Blood chemistry showed no elevated serum creatinine or C-reactive protein but did reveal myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) of 300 U/dL. A kidney biopsy showed pauci-immune focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis. She was treated with prednisolone and rituximab, resulting in normal urinalysis and decreased MPO-ANCA. The complication of ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis should not be overlooked when abnormal urinalysis findings appear in the course of connective tissue disease, irrespective of the presence of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

A Case of Sjögren's Syndrome Complicated with Interstitial Nephritis and Delayed Onset Autoimmune Hepatitis

A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of muscle paralysis and was found to have severe hypokalemia. A gallium-67 scintigram revealed a positive accumulation in the bilateral salivary glands, and a labial minor salivary gland biopsy demonstrated a massive lymphocyte infiltrate around the salivary ducts. She was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) associated with renal tubular acidosis. Renal biopsy revealed tubulointerstitial nephritis with a mild focal infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. These pathological features were compatible with SS with renal involvement. Acidosis and hypokalemia were corrected with sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride, which relieved the patient's symptoms. Although steroid therapy has been reported to be effective in SS-associated tubulointerstitial nephritis, the patient's serum potassium level could be controlled without administering steroids during the first admission. Five years later, she was admitted again because of severe liver dysfunction attributed to autoimmune hepatitis. Oral administration of prednisolone resulted in the normalization of her transaminase levels, and the control of her serum potassium level became easier. It has been reported that patients with SS with salivary gland involvement tend to have hepatic complications, and those with hepatic complications tend to have renal involvement. Physicians should be aware of hepatic involvement, even if there is no liver dysfunction at the initial diagnosis of SS with salivary gland and renal involvement. It remains uncertain whether the administration of a low dose of steroids before the onset of autoimmune hepatitis might have prevented the development of liver dysfunction in our patient.

Biomarkers for Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder characterized by different clinical subsets. Recently, great efforts have been made searching for reliable biomarkers able to ameliorate the diagnostic algorithm and the prognostic stratification of pSS patients and ultimately allowing the scientific community to address some of the unmet needs for the disease. In this review, we have summarized the state of the art of 'traditional' widely acknowledged clinical, serological and histologic biomarkers for pSS with the aim of highlighting their relevance and limitations in clinical practice. We have also explored some of the novel potential biomarkers that have been proposed more recently, potentially able to open new ways in the assessment of the disease.

Impact of double positive for anti-centromere and anti-SS-a/Ro antibodies on clinicopathological characteristics of primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to define the clinical characteristics of anti-centromere antibody and anti-SS-A/Ro antibody (ACA/SS-A) double positive Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and to clarify the clinical impact of these antibodies.

METHODS

We examined 108 patients (6 males, mean age 57.9 years) with SS who underwent labial salivary gland biopsy. The patients were divided into four groups by ACA and anti-SS-A/Ro antibody positivity. Symptoms, laboratory and pathological data, and scleroderma-related data were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 16 ACA/SS-A double positive, 20 ACA single positive, 67 SS-A single positive, and 5 ACA/SS-A double negative SS. ACA/SS-A double positive SS were significantly older than SS-A single positive SS (mean age 71.1 vs. 53.1 years). They had higher EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) at diagnosis (mean 3.81 vs. 0.50) and higher serum IgG (mean 2009 vs. 1389 mg/dL) than ACA single positive SS. No patients developed skin sclerosis during a mean follow-up period of 45.6 months (range: 1-178).

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that ACA/SS-A double positive SS is distinct from ACA single positive and SSA single positive SS. The combination of ACA and anti-SS-A/Ro antibody in SS should deserve greater attention in clinical practice.

Reviewing primary Sjögren's syndrome: beyond the dryness - From pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the secretory glands. This process leads to sicca syndrome, which is the combination of dryness of the eyes, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and/or vagina. Extraglandular manifestations may also be prevalent in patients with pSS, including cutaneous, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, renal, hematological and neurological involvement. The pathogenesis of pSS is currently not well understood, but increased activation of B cells followed by immune complex formation and autoantibody production are thought to play important roles. pSS is diagnosed using the American-European consensus group (AECG) classification criteria which include subjective symptoms and objective tests such as histopathology and serology. The treatment of pSS warrants an organ based approach, for which local treatment (teardrops, moistures) and systemic therapy (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and biologicals) can be considered. Biologicals used in the treatment of pSS mainly affect the total numbers of B cells (B cell depletion (Rituximab)) or target proteins required for B cell proliferation and/or activation (e.g. B cell activating factor (BAFF)) resulting in decreased B cell activity. The aim of this review is to provide physicians a general overview concerning the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of pSS patients.

Autoantibodies in Sjögren's Syndrome

We compiled information on antibodies in Sjögren syndrome, focusing more on clinical manifestations associated with anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies and studies regarding novel antibodies. We reviewed previous as well as most recent studies with the subject heading Sjogren in combination with antibodies and congenital heart block (CHB). Almost half of asymptomatic mothers giving birth to children with CHB ultimately develop Sjögren. We discussed studies concerning the presence of antibodies predating clinical manifestations of disease. Studies in the future are required to ascertain the pathogenic mechanisms associated with these antibodies and the specific clinical manifestation related to new autoantibodies.

Dual anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects exocrine glands. Renal involvement of Sjögren's syndrome may lead to tubulointerstitial disease, whereas secondary glomerulopathies such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-related pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis are rarely observed. In addition, crescent glomerulonephritis that is simultaneously positive for both myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA has never been reported in Sjögren's syndrome. Here, we report a case of pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis exhibiting positivity for both MPO- and PR3-ANCAs in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome. A 71-year-old female was hospitalized for cough, blood-tinged sputum, and dyspnea two weeks after diagnosis with Sjögren's syndrome. On admission, serum anti-nuclear antibody, anti-Ro/SS-A antibody, MPO-ANCA, and PR3-ANCA were all positive, and serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (Cr) levels were 42.7 and 2.9 mg/dL, respectively. On the seventh day of hospitalization, the patient's serum Cr level was 5.7 mg/dL, indicating rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Renal biopsy resulted in the diagnosis of ANCA-related pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, for which intravenous methylprednisolone (7 mg/kg/day) was administered for three consecutive days, followed by combination therapy with oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) and intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m(2)). The patient was positive in the Schirmer's I test, and a salivary gland biopsy showed sialadenitis with lympho-plasmacytic infiltrations. On day 28 of hospitalization, the patient was discharged after amelioration of respiratory symptoms and azotemia. At 6 months after discharge, the patient continued to receive appropriate daily medications and was negative for both MPO- and PR3-ANCAs, with a slight elevation in serum Cr levels.

Comparison of antibody assays for detection of autoantibodies to Ro 52, Ro 60 and La associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Anti-Ro(52/60) and anti-La constitute the hallmark autoantibodies in primary Sjögren's syndrome, being present in 40-70% of sera. Several anti-Ro/La assays exist, but antibody detection appears to be assay-specific, thus the aim of this study was to compare several anti-Ro/La assays. In total, 96 sera from individuals with primary Sjögren's syndrome and 114 healthy controls were tested for anti-Ro 52/60 and anti-La in 17 immunoassays. Especially the immunoassays used for detection of anti-Ro 52 differed in their sensitivity (48-79%), while only small differences in sensitivities were observed for the anti-Ro 60 (69-77%) anti-La (39-44%) assays. Concordances of 65%, 79% and 73% for the anti-Ro 52, anti-Ro 60 and anti-La assays were found, respectively. The majority of the assays yielded high specificities, primarily ranging from 97 to 100%, except from a single anti-Ro 60 assay, which yielded a specificity of 79%. Occasionally, reactivity levels were increased in a few assays, indicating that false-positive results can be obtained when applying assays of reduced specificity. In general, the commercial assays appeared to perform better than the in-house analyses. When correcting the in-house assays for background reactivity, sensitivities were reduced by approximately 7%, 17%, and 19% for anti-Ro 52, anti-Ro 60 and anti-La assays, respectively, illustrating the pitfalls when applying immunoassays for detection of autoantibodies, which in theory may apply to commercial assays as well. Finally, increased total sensitivities were obtained when combining assays. These studies contribute to clarify the clinical utility of immunoassays for detection of autoantibodies of Ro 52, Ro 60 and La and illustrate that the most efficient strategy to maximize antibody sensitivity is to combine several assays.

Anticentromere antibody-positive primary Sjögren's syndrome: Epitope analysis of a subset of anticentromere antibody-positive patients

OBJECTIVES

Anticentromere antibody (ACA) is generally considered to be a serological marker for systemic sclerosis (SSc). ACA-positive patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) have also been reported. ACA often recognizes centromere proteins (CENPs): CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C, and sometimes reacts to heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1)α. We compared the reactivity against six different epitopes for three ACA-positive clinical subgroups: 29 patients with pSS, 36 SSc patients with sicca symptoms, and 28 SSc patients without sicca symptoms.

METHODS

We utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with recombinant proteins covering six different epitope regions of ACA (the amino terminus (Nt) of CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C, the carboxyl terminus (Ct) of CENP-B and CENP-C, and HP1α).

RESULTS

The patients with pSS were found to have IgG-class autoantibodies against CENP-C-Nt and HP1α, and IgA-class autoantibodies against CENP-C-Ct with significantly higher frequencies than the SSc patients with or without sicca symptoms. The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of the combination of these three autoantibodies for pSS were 73% and 82%, respectively, for pSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the result that reactivities against CENP-C and HP1α in patients with pSS differ from those in patients with SSc, we propose ACA-positive pSS as a clinical subset of SS that is independent of SSc.

ANCA-associated vasculitis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: detailed analysis of 7 new cases and systematic literature review

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical presentation, management and prognosis of patients diagnosed with both primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

METHODS

French nation-wide survey completed by a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

This work identified 7 new cases of coexisting pSS and AAV: 2 microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), 2 granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), 2 anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA renal-limited AAV, and 1 eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The systematic literature search identified 15 previously published cases. Among the 22 patients, 19 were females. Mean age at diagnosis of AAV was 63.9±9.8years. All individuals with available information experienced at least one extra-glandular manifestation attributable to pSS. p-ANCA with anti-MPO specificity were found in 76.2% (16/21), c-ANCA with anti-PR3 specificity in 14.3% (3/21) and isolated c-ANCA in 13.6% (3/22). Vasculitis involved kidneys (n=13), lungs (n=8), skin (n=6), peripheral nerves (n=5), central nervous system (n=2), small bowel (n=1), muscle (n=1), ear chondritis (n=1) and sinuses (n=1). The mean AAV follow-up was 73.5 (±120.0) months. While on treatment, disease remission occurred in 77.3% of cases, and one death was reported in the first 6months after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

This work shows that AAV may occur in patients with pSS. These are most commonly p-ANCA associated vasculitis with anti-MPO specificity. AAV may reveal an underlying pSS or arise during its evolution, but did not precede pSS in any of these cases. AAV occurrence appears to be correlated with extra-glandular manifestations of pSS.

Antibody-secreting cell specificity in labial salivary glands reflects the clinical presentation and serology in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The serologic hallmark of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is the presence of IgG antibodies specific for Ro (SSA) and La (SSB). The molecular characteristics of gland-derived B cells at the site of primary SS inflammation have been described previously; however, parallels between glandular antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and serologic antibody specificities have not been evaluated. We used recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology to study the specificities of salivary gland (SG)-derived ASCs, evaluate their molecular characteristics, and identify IgG antibody specificity.

METHODS

Human antibodies were generated from glandular IgG ASCs. Heavy chain and light chain use and immunoglobulin subclass were analyzed by sequencing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassay, and (35) S-labeled protein immunoprecipitation analysis were used to determine antibody specificity.

RESULTS

Evaluation of single ASCs in SG biopsy specimens from a patient with primary SS and a patient with SS and overlapping systemic lupus erythematosus revealed significant concordance between serum autoantibody and glandular ASC specificities. Gland-derived ASC heavy chains and light chains were extensively somatically hypermutated, which is indicative of antigen-driven responses. Specifically, we produced the first fully human mAb derived from SGs.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SS, the SGs are a site for the production of antibodies that extend beyond the canonical Ro and/or La SS specificities. Glandular antibody production strongly reflected the serologic humoral response in the 2 patients whom we studied.

The coexistence of antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus in Colombians

OBJECTIVES

To examine the prevalence and associated factors related to the coexistence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a cohort of Colombian patients with SLE, and to discuss the coexistence of APS with other autoimmune diseases (ADs).

METHOD

A total of 376 patients with SLE were assessed for the presence of the following: 1) confirmed APS; 2) positivity for antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies without a prior thromboembolic nor obstetric event; and 3) SLE patients without APS nor positivity for aPL antibodies. Comparisons between groups 1 and 3 were evaluated by bivariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Although the prevalence of aPL antibodies was 54%, APS was present in just 9.3% of SLE patients. In our series, besides cardiovascular disease (AOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.11-10.96, p = 0.035), pulmonary involvement (AOR 5.06, 95% CI 1.56-16.74, p = 0.007) and positivity for rheumatoid factor (AOR 4.68, 95%IC 1.63-14.98, p = 0.006) were factors significantly associated with APS-SLE. APS also may coexist with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune thyroid diseases, systemic sclerosis, systemic vasculitis, dermatopolymyositis, primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

APS is a systemic AD that may coexist with other ADs, the most common being SLE. Awareness of this polyautoimmunity should be addressed promptly to establish strategies for controlling modifiable risk factors in those patients.

Comparison of the performance of the different classification criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome: a prospective cohort study

The objective of the study is to compare the longitudinal performance of different classification criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in a cohort of patients previously diagnosed with primary SS. In each patient, we repeated diagnostic tests as required by the Copenhagen, European, Californian, and American-European Consensus Group (AECG) or the new American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. Sixty-three out of 90 eligible patients (70 %) consented to participate. During the follow-up (mean (standard deviation, SD) 7.6 years (0.5)), we observed evolution from primary SS to SS with another systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) in 9/63 (14 %) patients, on average after 4.0 years (SD 0.9). The evolution from primary SS to SS-SADs was significantly more common if the diagnosis of primary SS was initially made using AECG (17 %, p = 0.008) or ACR (16 %, p = 0.016) criteria. In the 34 patients who underwent a full diagnostic reassessment, the diagnosis retention rate was statistically significant for all the criteria, except the European criteria. At reassessment, 3/32 (9 %) patients initially diagnosed as having primary SS using the European criteria could not be classified as having primary SS by any of the criteria. The differences in classification when using the AECG and the new ACR criteria were not statistically significant. The longitudinal diagnosis retention rate was highest for the Californian and AECG criteria. Regardless of the classification criteria, some patients eventually develop another SAD.

Novel aspects of Sjögren's syndrome in 2012

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by a complex pathogenesis requiring a predisposing genetic background and involving immune cell activation and autoantibody production. The immune response is directed to the exocrine glands, causing the typical 'sicca syndrome', but major organ involvement is also often seen. The etiology of the disease is unknown. Infections could play a pivotal role: compared to normal subjects, patients with SS displayed higher titers of anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early antigens, but lower titers of other infectious agent antibodies such as rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) suggest that some infections may have a protective role against the development of autoimmune disease. Recent findings seem to show that low vitamin D levels in patients with SS could be associated with severe complications such as lymphoma and peripheral neuropathy. This could open new insights into the disease etiology. The current treatments for SS range from symptomatic therapies to systemic immunosuppressive drugs, especially B cell-targeted drugs in cases of organ involvement. Vitamin D supplementation may be an additional tool for optimization of SS treatment.

Serologic features of primary Sjögren's syndrome: clinical and prognostic correlation

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory systemic autoimmune disease. The disease spectrum extends from sicca syndrome to systemic involvement and extraglandular manifestations, and SS may be associated with malignancies, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients with SS present a broad spectrum of serologic features. Certain serological findings are highly correlated with specific clinical features, and can be used as prognostic markers.

Subgroups of Sjögren syndrome patients according to serological profiles

Sjögren Syndrome (SS) is a systemic, autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands. Different clinical associations have been described for each of the diverse autoantibodies found in SS patients. Antibodies directed against the Ro/La ribonucleoprotein complexes have been correlated with younger age, more severe dysfunction of the exocrine glands and a higher prevalence of extraglandular manifestations. Anti-nuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factors have been associated to extraglandular manifestations and an active immunological profile, while cryoglobulins are markers of more severe disease and correlate to lymphoma development and death. Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides are scarce in SS and have been linked in some cases to the development of non-erosive arthritis. Furthermore, the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies and anti-smooth muscle antibodies in the sera of primary SS patients is considered indicative of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis, respectively. In addition, anti-centromere antibodies have been associated with a clinical phenotype intermediate between primary SS and systemic sclerosis, while antibodies against carbonic anhydrase have been related to renal tubular acidosis. Finally, an association of anti-muscarinic antibodies with cytopenias and a higher disease activity has also been described in primary SS. In conclusion, although not all of the above mentioned antibodies are useful for predicting distinct patient subgroups in SS, knowledge of the clinical associations of the different autoantibody specificities encountered in SS can advance our understanding of the disease and improve patient management.