Sjogren's syndrome I. Serologic reactions in patients with Sjogren's syndrome with and without rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Abstract Sera from 21 patients with Sjogren's syndrome with and without rheumatoid arthritis were examined. Hypergammaglobulinemia occurred in 71 per cent, the bentonite flocculation test was positive in 95 per cent and sensitized sheep cell agglutination test in 90 per cent of the entire group and in 75 per cent of patients with Sjogren's syndrome without joint involvement. Antinuclear antibody was present in 71 per cent and L.E. cells in 10 per cent. The direct Coombs' test was positive in 25 per cent and thyroglobulin antibodies were found in 14 per cent. Compared to rheumatoid arthritis patients without Sjogren's syndrome, patients in this series were distinguished by an unusually active immunologic response.