Ro(SSA) and La(SSB) antibodies in the clinical spectrum of Sjögren's syndrome.

Seventy-five patients with the symptomatic sicca complex were evaluated clinically and classified as having Sjögren's syndrome (SS) alone or the sicca complex associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) or another connective tissue disorder. Their status with respect to anti-Ro(SSA)/La(SSB) antibodies was determined independent of clinical evaluation and categorization. Overall, 33 (44%) were found to have antibodies to Ro(SSA); and 12 (16%) had antibodies to La(SSB). Anti-Ro antibodies occurred in 50% of those with SS alone as well as in SS associated with RA (39%), SLE (58%), and PSS (20%). Furthermore, patients with SLE without the sicca complex demonstrated antibodies to Ro(SSA) (24%) and La(SSB) (5%). A striking association of anti-Ro(SSA) antibodies in SS with vasculitis is described.