LAUSR

Background: Echographic evaluation of salivary gland increasingly became a routine imaging modality in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS). However, predictive parameters associated with the severity of echographic features are still incomplete evaluated. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors for severe echographic involvement in patients with SS followed in a tertiary center. Methods: We included 63 patients with SS (mean age: 52.3±11.9; 59 female). The complete laboratory workup, clinical manifestations and treatment were reviewed and the EULAR Sjogren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) was calculated for each patients. We performed the standard echographic evaluation of salivary gland in all patients and used a 4 grade system for severity staging. Results: The distribution of echographic grade was: no any echographic features – 4 pts (6.3%); grade 1 - 24 pts (38.1%); grade 2 – 20 pts (31.7%); grade 3 – 10 pts (15.9%); grade 4 – 5 pts (7.9%). The ESSDAI and the hydroxichloroquine use were similar in these subgroups. We didn’t find differences regarding CRP and fibrinogen and echographic features. The age of the patients, the anti-SSA and anti-SSB, ESR, total protein, IgA, IgG and rheumatoid factor levels were significantly higher and lymphocyte count was lower in patients with echographic severity above grade 2 when compared with patients with no or mild echographic features. However, using ANOVA test and post-hoc analysis, the only parameters associated with the severity of echographic features were high ESR (53 vs 17 in grade 4 vs 1, p=0.02), IgA (363 vs 190 in grade 4 vs 1, p=0.004) and IgG (1985 vs 1191 U/l in grade 4 vs 1, p=0.001) levels. Conclusion: Parameters linked to polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia (IgA and IgG levels; and ESR) seem to be linked to the severity of echographic appearance of salivary gland in patients with SS. Further studies are needed in order to better characterize this link. Disclosure of Interests: Ancuta MIHAI: None declared, DENISE MARDALE: None declared, Daniela Opris-Belinski Speakers bureau: as declared, Ruxandra Ionescu Consultant of: Consulting fees from Abbvie, Eli-Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Consulting and speaker fees from Abbvie, Eli-Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Ciprian Jurcut: None declared