Tear Function Parameters in Keratoconjunctivitis sicca with and without the Association of Sjögren’s Syndrome

Abstract

In a group of patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) associated with SjÖgren’s syndrome (SJ) a significant decrease in tear fluid lactoferrin concentration and tear film break-up time was demonstrated in comparison with a matched group in which KCS was not associated with any systemic disease. The Schirmer values were also lower in the SJ of patients and these differences almost reached statistical significance. None of these parameters in itself appeared to be of any clinical value to differentiate between KCS that was or was not associated with SJ. The combination of the tear fluid lactoferrin concentration, the Schirmer I test values and the tear film break-up time, however, provide a basis for differential diagnosis that is clinically of some value.

Rose Bengal Staining of the Temporal Conjunctiva Differentiates Sjögren's Syndrome from Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

“…There may be many physiological factors that cause increased amounts of staining and perhaps progression to the temporal conjunctiva in SS. These include the unique inflammatory status of the lacrimal gland, 31,32 lack of reflex tearing, 29 tear film protein composition, [33][34][35][36] inflammation of the ocular surface [37][38][39][40][41][42] and alterations in mucin expression. 37,43,44 It is the membrane-spanning mucins that have been most often linked to rose bengal staining.…”

MR Imaging of the Salivary Glands in Sicca Syndrome

“…A drop of anesthetic was not used in this study. The flow of each patient was calculated by averaging the data from both glands and expressed in millimeters/5 min; normal values are more than 5 mm/5 min [10].…”

Proteomic analysis revealed the altered tear protein profile in a rabbit model of Sjögren's syndrome-associated dry eye

“…Changes of tear protein profiles in SS have been extensively investigated in humans. For example, decreased levels of lactoferrin, lysozyme, and lipocalin-1 were found in patients with SS-associated dry eye [6,7]. ␤2-microglobulin concentration in tears was found to be increased in patients with SS [8].…”