Sjögren Syndrome
Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the tear and saliva-producing glands, resulting in symptoms such as dry eyes and dry mouth. It can occur on its own (primary Sjögren syndrome) or alongside other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or SLE (secondary Sjögren syndrome).
Beyond the glandular symptoms, Sjögren syndrome can also cause fatigue, joint symptoms, and, in some patients, involvement of other organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or nervous system.
At National Path Lab (NPL), laboratory investigations support the evaluation of suspected Sjögren syndrome, helping doctors differentiate it from other causes of dryness and fatigue.
About Sjögren Syndrome
Causes & Risk Factors
As with other autoimmune diseases, Sjögren syndrome results from a combination of genetic susceptibility and immune dysregulation that leads the body to attack its own exocrine glands.
• Sex — occurs predominantly in women, at a ratio of approximately 9:1 compared to men.
• Age — most commonly diagnosed between ages 40 and 60, though it can occur earlier.
• Association with other autoimmune diseases — frequently coexists with rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, or other connective-tissue diseases.
• Genetic factors — certain genetic markers increase susceptibility, particularly when combined with environmental triggers.
• Viral triggers — some viral infections are suspected to play a role in triggering the immune response in genetically susceptible individuals.
Symptoms & When to Test
Symptoms of Sjögren syndrome typically develop gradually and are often initially attributed to aging, medication side effects, or environmental dryness before an autoimmune cause is considered.
• Persistent dry eyes — gritty, burning sensation, or feeling of sand in the eyes
• Dry mouth — difficulty swallowing dry foods, need to sip water frequently
• Increased dental problems, including cavities, due to reduced saliva
• Fatigue
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Swelling of the salivary glands (in front of the ears or under the jaw)
When Should You Consider Testing?
Testing is generally appropriate when dry eyes and dry mouth are persistent (present for several months), are accompanied by fatigue or joint symptoms, or occur alongside a known autoimmune condition — rather than when dryness is mild, intermittent, or clearly linked to an environmental cause such as air conditioning or certain medications.
Why Tests Are Combined
ANA is often used as an initial screening step, since Sjögren syndrome falls within the broader category of systemic autoimmune connective-tissue diseases.
Anti-SSA/Ro and Anti-SSB/La are more specific antibodies associated with Sjögren syndrome and are typically tested together, as they provide complementary diagnostic information — a patient may be positive for one, both, or neither, depending on disease presentation.
Testing this combination rather than any single antibody increases the chance of correctly identifying Sjögren syndrome, particularly in patients with overlapping connective-tissue disease features.
Tests Available at NPL
Test Code | Test | Clinical Relevance |
I0025
| ANTI NUCLEAR ANTIBODY; ANA; IFA HEP-2 END POINT TITRE | May support the evaluation of systemic autoimmune disease and is often used as an initial screening test. |
I0082
| SS-A/RO ANTIBODY | An important antibody associated with Sjögren syndrome. |
I0083
| SS-B/LA ANTIBODY | Another antibody associated with Sjögren syndrome and related connective-tissue diseases; often tested alongside Anti-SSA/Ro. |
Most autoimmune antibody tests and inflammatory markers do not require fasting. However, if your doctor has ordered other tests at the same time — such as glucose or lipid testing — fasting may be required for those investigations. Please follow the preparation instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.
Home Sample Collection
NPL offers convenient home sample collection for all Sjögren Syndrome tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.
→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.
→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO 15189:2022 laboratory for processing.
→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.
When to See a Doctor
• Persistent dry eyes or dry mouth lasting more than a few months
• Dryness accompanied by joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue
• Recurrent dental problems or difficulty swallowing dry foods
• Visible swelling of the salivary glands
• Known autoimmune disease with new dryness symptoms
• Dry eye or mouth symptoms combined with unexplained skin, lung, or kidney symptoms
Medical Disclaimer Laboratory tests are supportive tools and should not be used alone to diagnose or exclude Sjögren syndrome. Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional together with clinical history and examination. |