A BREAKTHROUGH in diagnosing primary Sjögren’s disease (pSjD) offers hope for patients seeking non-invasive alternatives to the traditional minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy. Researchers have developed a diagnostic model combining salivary biomarkers, serum autoantibodies, and Schirmer’s test, achieving high accuracy in identifying pSjD.
The study analysed saliva samples from pSjD patients and non-Sjögren controls. Researchers identified key salivary proteins, complement factor B (CFB), clusterin (CLU), and neutrophil elastase (NE), that were significantly elevated in pSjD patients. These biomarkers, along with serum autoantibodies (anti-SSA/Ro60 and anti-SSA/Ro52) and Schirmer’s test, formed the basis of the diagnostic model.
In a derivation cohort of 186 patients, the model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.930 (95% CI: 0.877–0.965, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 84.85% and specificity of 92.45%. The validation cohort of 72 patients confirmed similar results, reinforcing the model’s reliability and potential clinical application.
“This 6-biomarker panel represents a significant advance in the non-invasive classification of pSjD, offering a practical and patient-friendly alternative to invasive biopsies,” the researchers stated.
The findings could transform diagnostic approaches for pSjD, enabling earlier and more accurate detection while sparing patients the discomfort and risks associated with invasive procedures. Further research may refine the model and broaden its application across diverse populations.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Zhang X et al. A non-invasive model for diagnosis of primary Sjogren’s disease based on salivary biomarkers, serum autoantibodies, and Schirmer’s test. Arthritis Res Ther. 2024;DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03459-7.
