K Haldorsen et al. – This study confirms the previous observations of stable or slightly improved exocrine function over time. High focus scores and low unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) were identified as independent predictors of a worsened exocrine function. Methods
Aim was to assess the natural course of the exocrine function in a larger cohort of Sjögren syndrome (SS) pts, and to address possible predictive factors for a declining exocrine function
141 pts were investigated with the Schirmer I test and UWS
Historical data regarding these tests and focus score were collected from the files of 111 pts
Median time from diagnosis to f/u investigation was 5.0 yrs
Results
Median UWS was unchanged during f/u
Median Schirmer I test improved from 5.0 to 7.0 mm/5 min
Present Schirmer I test was associated with historical high IgG and IgA, positive SSA and SSB tests and high focus score, and present UWS with historical low C3/C4
High focus scores, and low UWS as factors predicting a 30% or more worsening of the Schirmer I test
High focus scores predicted a 30% or more worsening of the UWS
See all
