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O031 - SCLERODERMA SPECIFIC AUTOANTIBODIES: SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP FOR SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME? (ID 307)
Abstract
Background and Aims
Sicca complaints are a frequent reason for rheumatological consultation. An association of anticentromere antibodies with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and an increased frequency of sicca complaints in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients was previously reported. We aimed to determine the frequency and clinical associations of a wide spectrum of SSc-specific autoantibodies in consecutive sicca patients.
Methods
Among 279 sicca patients, 63 were lost to follow-up, and therefore 216 patients were included in the study. Demographic, clinicopathological, and laboratory data were recorded. 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.
Results
SSc-specific autoantibodies were detected in 41.7% (90/216) of patients evaluated (19% at strong titers and 22.7% at medium titers). The frequency of SSc-specific autoantibodies at strong titers was significantly higher in patients with positive MSG biopsies (Focus score>1) compared to those without (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)].
Conclusions
SSc-specific antibodies are frequently detected among consecutive patients presenting with sicca complaints. Moreover, SSc-specific autoantibodies at strong but not medium titers were found to be independently associated with MSG biopsy positivity. Taken together, these data imply a potentially significant role of SSc antibody testing in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with sicca complaints.