Interleukin 6: A Novel Objective Parameter in the Classification of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Aim:

Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is the most frequently diagnosed autoimmune disease in the head and neck region. The classification of primary SS (pSS) is carried out based on the American-European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria. To improve the classification criteria, we evaluated interleukin 6 (IL-6) in saliva as a novel objective marker the assessment of oral symptoms. Material/methods: Between 2004 and 2013, patients with xerostomia and/or glandular swelling were included. Patients were classified based on the AECG criteria. We collected symptom scores, performed Schirmer and Saxon test, measured autoantibodies in serum and IL-6 in saliva, and performed minor salivary gland biopsy if necessary.

Results:

We included 95 patients, 61 were classified with pSS, 34 patients had an idiopathic sicca syndrome (IS). Symptom scores were high, but there was no significant difference between the groups. In Schirmer and Saxon test, scores were significantly higher in patients with pSS than in IS (p = 0.03, p = 0.007). There was no significance in focus score of minor salivary gland biopsy. SSA-Antibodies were significantly higher in patients with pSS (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference in IL-6 in saliva. When we defined an cutoff value of ≥≥6.4 pg/ml in IL-6, sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 65%, respectively. When we replaced Saxon test with IL6 in salive, sensitivity and specificity improved to 81% and 89%, respectively.

Conclusion:

IL-6 in saliva has a good sensitivity and specificity in classification of pSS and is a good objective parameter in the assessment of oral symptoms.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)