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[Ocular surface analysis in patients affected with rheumatic diseases]
P Versura1, M Frigato, B Bernabini
1Dipartimento A.Valsalva, Sezione Oftalmologia I, Scuola di Specializzazione in Reumatologia Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna. versura@alma.unibo.it
Reumatismo
|January 12, 2005
Summary
Ocular surface analysis in primary Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) reveals significant differences in tear production, corneal sensitivity, and ocular surface integrity compared to other autoimmune diseases and dry eye patients. These findings support broader ocular surface testing for accurate SS diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Current primary Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) diagnostic criteria include ocular tests, but diagnosis is possible even if these are not met.
- Evaluating the ocular surface is crucial for understanding SS and differentiating it from other conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess ocular surface status in patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome (SS), non-SS autoimmune diseases, and Sicca Syndrome.
- To determine if additional ocular surface tests can aid in the diagnosis of SS.
Main Methods:
- Collected clinical and cytological data from 122 patients (40 SS, 51 non-SS autoimmune disease, 31 Sicca Syndrome).
- Utilized a symptom questionnaire and various clinical tests: Schirmer test I, Jones test, Ferning test, Break Up Time, corneal aesthesiometry, tear clearance, vital dye staining, and conjunctival cytology.
- Performed statistical analysis using SPSS and Mann-Whitney test.
Main Results:
- Primary Sjögren's Syndrome patients showed significantly affected subjective symptom scores, tear production, tear turnover, and corneal sensitivity compared to the other groups.
- Ocular surface integrity was also significantly compromised in SS patients.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests expanding the range of ocular surface analyses for diagnosing autoimmune diseases.
- Enhanced ocular surface evaluation can support differential diagnosis among conditions like Sjögren's Syndrome.