Sjögren's Syndrome: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following autoantibodies would most likely be positive in a patient diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome?
A. Anti-Smith (Sm) antibodies
B. Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies
C. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)
D. Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies
E. Anti-Jo-1 antibodies
Answer and topic summary
The answer is D. Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies
These are the hallmark autoantibodies associated with Sjögren’s syndrome. Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies are found in a significant proportion of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and are used in the diagnosis and classification of the disease. Their presence is indicative of the autoimmune nature of Sjögren’s syndrome, which primarily affects exocrine glands leading to symptoms such as dry eyes and dry mouth, among other systemic manifestations.
Explanation for Incorrect Answers:
Anti-Smith (Sm) antibodies: These antibodies are highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are not typically associated with Sjögren’s syndrome. While patients with Sjögren’s syndrome may have other autoimmune conditions, Anti-Sm antibodies are not a hallmark of Sjögren’s syndrome itself.
Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies: Similar to Anti-Sm antibodies, anti-dsDNA antibodies are also highly specific for SLE and are used in its diagnosis. They are not commonly associated with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA): ANCA are most commonly associated with vasculitides, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) and microscopic polyangiitis. They are not typically found in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Anti-Jo-1 antibodies: Anti-Jo-1 antibodies are associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, particularly in patients with the antisynthetase syndrome. They are not indicative of Sjögren’s syndrome.
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