Relationship Between Sialoscores and Anti SS –A/Ro.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the relationship of SS-A/Ro antibodies to the sialoscores on the buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth and dorsal tongue on xerostomics.
Methods: Blood was drawn from pre-diagnosed xerostomic subjects (N = 43). Processed and de-identified samples were shipped to a lab for identification of various biomarkers (e.g. RF, ANA, Anti SS-A /Ro, Anti SSB/La, IgG, IgA, IgM, SP-1, PSP, CA-6) as a part of commercially available diagnostic panel (Sjö^®), whose efficacy has been demonstrated. Various oral dryness parameters were measured, including Challacombe score, unstimulated salivary flow, and moisture volume and thickness (Sialoscores), which were recorded using a Periotron^R (values were obtained per instructions of the manufacturer). Independent sample T-test was completed to compare between the anti-SS A (Ro) positive and negative xerostomic population on Sialoscores.
Results: Samples from 43 subjects (mean age of 60.42±12.78) were included in the study, 20 (46.5%) of whom had positive anti SS-A /Ro (mean age 62.8±13.95). The mean age of the negative anti SS-A /Ro was 58.30±11.58. 20.9% had positive anti SS-B/La. 69.7% had positive ANA.

There was no statistical difference in the whole unstimulated salivary flow rate or visual analogue scores between the anti SS-A/Ro positive and negative, but there was a statistically significant difference in sialoscores on the floor of the mouth (p=.002) and dorsal tongue (p=.000), but not on buccal mucosa (p=.210).
Conclusions: Presence of the biomarker anti SS-A/Ro may be obtained from systems such as Sjö^® to establish a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. This study demonstrated that SS-A/Ro positive patients have reduced salivary moisture contents in different parts of the mouth and are more susceptible for complications.

This study is sponsored by a grant from Valeant Pharmaceuticals.