Sjö Test for Sjogrens

General
1

I haven't seen much mention of this test but thought it may be worth bringing up. Nicox recently announced that it has partnered with Immco Diagnostics to promote a proprietary laboratory, called the Sjöe test for early detection of Sjögren’s Syndrome. The Sjö test is was developed by Immco Diagnostics.

At present it is essentially being marketed to ophthalmologists. There are a few rheumies using it. I'm curious as to whether any here have had it?

It is NOT a definitive test so I don't want to raise hopes in those trying to get a diagnoses hopes up. There is not a lot different about this test.. The primary components of the test are still the traditional markers (antinuclear antibodies [ANA], Ro, La, and Rf [rheumatoid factor]). If they are not positive, you are still limited on recieving a diagnoses. Even if they are positive there are additional requiremnts to be met.

The Sjö test combines three proprietary biomarkers (salivary gland protein-1 [SP-1], carbonic anhydrase-6 [CA-6], and parotid secretory protein [PSP]) with the traditional test. The newer antibodies were found in 45% of patients meeting the criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome, but lacking antibodies for Ro and La. In patients diagnosed with xerostomia for less than 2 years, 76% had antibodies to SP-1 or CA-6, while only 31% had antibodies to Ro or La.1

It is being market as a screening test to ophthalmologists and optometrist, something to add to their routine exams. In short the data doesn't exist to make it a diagnostic test but as profit opportunity to eye docs, it has tremendous possibilities, as does what can come from routine screening

2

I had it!!! It was the test that finally got to the bottom of what was going on with me. I test negative for RA and whatnot so it was a real life saver for me. Wahoo. Oh and the (new) rheumy I went to after being found positive was trying to tell me that regardless of what the eye doc said, I may not have SS. That was until I mentioned I had that test done….then it was Oh, Ok, then lets get you started. LOL…. I had to change due to insurance but the one I see now (and absolutely love) studied under the guy that helped create the test. He gave me all kinds of insight into it. Interesting stuff. For the record, they both did extensive further testing to be sure but it was the first time we had a solid direction to look in.

3

This sounds promising as it could at least get the ball rolling on during further test.

I see my eye doctor next month and he stays up on all the latest things and will ask him about this as he was the first one to mention sjorgens to me.

4

What's the likelihood that this test will be available and be widely used in the future? It seems like it would be beneficial in the diagnostic process for rheumatology.

5

I had it done about a year ago & was told it was almost a year old then. I would imagine it's a problem of doctors not being aware of it as much as they should be. At least in the US. Always good to pose the question to your doc.