Soluble interleukin-2 receptors and serum autoantibodies in dry eye patients: correlation with lacrimal gland function.

PURPOSE

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by decreased lacrimal and salivary gland function causing dry eye and dry mouth. We examined several parameters as measures of lacrimal function and compared the serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and serum autoantibodies as measures of systemic autoimmune condition.

METHODS

Serum levels of sIL-2R, antinuclear antibody (ANA), and rheumatoid factor (RF) in 128 patients (16 men, 112 women; average age, 54.3 +/- 12.5 years) were measured. The lacrimal function was evaluated clinically. RESULTS. There was no correlation between systemic condition and the cotton-thread test, Schirmer test with or without anesthesia, tear-clearance test, tear-function index, or the BUT. However, the Schirmer test with nasal stimulation and rose bengal and fluorescein staining was positively correlated with systemic parameters.

CONCLUSION

We show the correlation of serum sIL-2R, ANA, and RF to lacrimal function, which is good evidence that systemic immune conditions directly affect local lacrimal gland function.