Multidimensional assessment of Juvenile Sjögren disease
摘要
This study aims to provide a multidimensional assessment of juvenile Sjögren’s disease (jSjD), focusing on diagnostic and management processes through various instrumental tests.
MethodsA cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted on 21 jSjD patients diagnosed between June 2016 and September 2023. In addition, 37 healthy children were included only for comparison of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) findings. Clinical data, parotid gland ultrasound (US), NVC, salivary gland biopsy, and Schirmer test results were analyzed.
ResultsPositive correlations were found between parotitis scores in parotid gland US and bizarre capillary, neoangiogenesis, and microhemorrhage scores in NVC (r = 0.35, 0.32, 0.52; p < 0.05). Diagnostic delay was associated with higher parotitis frequency and scores in US (p = 0.025) and increased dilated capillaries in NVC (p < 0.05). Clinically evident parotitis correlated with higher parotitis frequency in US (p = 0.009) and higher parotitis scores (r = 0.480, p = 0.051). Higher ESSDAI scores at diagnosis correlated with increased parotitis frequency and scores in US (p = 0.001), with higher scores in patients with high disease activity (p < 0.05). ENA-positive patients had higher parotitis scores in US (p = 0.022) and increased cross capillaries in NVC (p = 0.024). Capillary density was lower in the jSjD group compared to healthy controls (p = 0.021), with healthy children having higher median capillary density (p = 0.005). Dilated, bushy, bizarre capillaries, and microhemorrhages were significantly higher in the jSjD group (p < 0.001).
ConclusionEarly and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing jSjD. The integration of US and NVC provides a comprehensive framework for detecting glandular and microvascular abnormalities, emphasizing the need for multidimensional approach.