Diagnosing the condition early and undergoing treatment in time helps to prevent complications. It is very difficult to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome and the symptoms mimic other diseases which include rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus and fibromyalgia.
Dryness also can occur because of other reasons, such as a medications’ side effect which may include high blood pressure and anti-depressants medication.
Sjogren’s syndrome can be diagnosed by using typical tests which include slit-lamp test, Schrimer’s eye test, radiologic salivary scans, salivary gland biopsy and tests measuring saliva flow.
Diagnosis can be done by conducting these tests and knowing about the symptoms. Symptoms can include changes in lacrimal (eye) and salivary (mouth) gland function, dryness symptoms and systemic findings.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may perform blood tests which include:
- RF (Rheumatoid Factor)
This is antibody test which is most often performed to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis but is positive in most rheumatoid diseases. Patients with Sjogren’s condition show 60-70% of positive RF. - ANA (anti-nuclear antibody)
These antibodies react against the cells of a cell nucleus. Nearly 70% of patients of Sjogren’s disease show positive ANA test result.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
This test is used to measure inflammation. An increased ESR shows that an inflammatory disorder is present, including Sjogren’s condition.- SS-A and SS-B
SS-A and SS-B are marker antibodies for Sjogren’s. 40% of Sjogren’s patients are positive for SS-B and 70% are positive for SS-A. - IGs (Immunoglobulins)
These normal blood proteins participate in immune reactions and if their levels are elevated, it determines the presence of Sjogren’s syndrome in the patients.
The eye tests include:
- Lissamine Green and Rose Bengal: this eye drops contain dyes which help to examine dry spots on the eye surface.
- Schirmer Test: this measures tear production.
The dental tests include the following:
- Salivary scintigraphy: It measures salivary gland function.
- Salivary flow: It measures the saliva production.
- Salivary gland biopsy: It confirms inflammatory cell infiltration.
