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Tear fluid analysis in primary Sjögren's syndrome
H M Markusse1, N J van Haeringen, A J Swaak
1Department of Rheumatology, Dr Daniel den Hoed Clinic, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Tear fluid analysis in primary Sjögren
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting exocrine glands.
- Tear fluid composition changes may indicate disease presence.
- Biomarkers in tears are explored for diagnostic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tear fluid protein levels in patients with primary SS.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of specific tear proteins for primary SS.
Main Methods:
- Tear fluid was collected from 44 primary SS patients, 21 suspected SS patients, and 24 controls.
- Levels of lactoferrin, alpha1-antitrypsin, peroxidase, lysozyme, and amylase were measured.
Main Results:
- Primary SS patients showed increased tear lactoferrin and alpha1-antitrypsin.
- Decreased tear peroxidase, lysozyme, and amylase were observed in primary SS patients.
- Significant overlap in protein concentrations between groups limited diagnostic value.
Conclusions:
- While certain tear proteins are altered in primary SS, their levels overlap significantly.
- Current tear fluid analysis of these proteins is not recommended for diagnosing primary SS.