Private Sjogren’s Syndrome Blood Test UK

Sjögren’s Syndrome – blood testing

To diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome doctors look for specific blood proteins antibodies in blood. Along with inflammation, that is often see in the lips and salivary glands, which is characteristic of Sjögren’s syndrome.

Sjögren’s syndrome – what is it?

An autoimmune disorder, that is lifelong Sjögren’s syndrome will reduce the excretions from the mouth and the eyes.  The condition is named after Henrik Sjögren, an ophthalmologist from Sweden,  initially identified this syndrome. While dry eyes and a dry feeling in the mouth (xerostomia) are primary symptoms, however it should be noted that most people with these symptoms probably will not have  Sjögren’s syndrome.

Sjögren’s syndrome has two forms:

• Primary Sjögren’s syndrome will develop, in the absence of any existing underlying condition.
• Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome can develop with existing autoimmune diseases such as lupus, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s symptoms differ. Some patients have just one or even two, others have all the symptoms. However, by far the commonest symptoms will be: · Dry chalky or cotton feeling mouth.

• Dry burning itchy eyes that might feel gritty with dry skin, lips or throat
• Dry nose
• Altered taste or smell
• Swollen glands in the face or the neck
• sensitivity to UV light and a skin rash
• Feeling short of breath, with a dry cough
• Lack of concentration or recall
• Headache
• Vaginal dryness · Swelling, pain, and stiffness in your joints
• Heartburn, with a burning in the stomach or chest
• Tingling and numbness at various sites on the body

Your doctor might ask for a Sjögren’s blood tests when:

• Antibodies common in Sjogren’s syndrome are present.
• Presence of inflammatory conditions
• Identified kidney and liver problems.

How is a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome made?

If you have any symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome, your doctor will probably want  to confirm a diagnosis with:

Blood tests to identify specific antibodies that might be present in the blood.

• Identification of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA),
• Identification of anti-Sjögren’s syndrome antibodies (anti-SSA, also called anti-Ro)
• Identification of anti-Sjögren’s syndrome type B (anti-SSB, also called anti-La).

Blood tests can also find rheumatoid factor, which is an antibody that is found in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Biopsy: Tissue or cells might be removed from inside your lip or from a salivary gland and sent to the lab.
• Eye examination: An ophthalmologist will measure your tear production. Your cornea, the part of your eye that is clear will be assessed for dryness.
• Imaging: Sialometry measures how much saliva is produced by using X-rays to track a dye that has been injected into the salivary glands. Salivary scintigraphy tracks how long a radioactive isotope takes to travel from point in your vein to the salivary gland.
• Health history: If there is a pre-existing autoimmune disease, and you suffer dry eyes and a dry mouth, it may be concluded that secondary Sjögren’s syndrome is the diagnosis.