Frequency of Sjögren’s syndrome in patients with dry symptoms using two histopathological methods

Introduction and objective

The criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) classification (ACR/EULAR 2016), include labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsy using the focus score (FS). But, in some cases it continues to be based on Chisholm and Mason (CM). Our objective was to evaluate the frequency of SS in patients with dry symptoms using FS and CM and to evaluate the degree of inter and intra-observer concordance of the histopathological reading by both methods.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional study design. All patients with dry symptoms and studies to perform the SS classification criteria (2016) were included. The samples were independently evaluated by two readers. Descriptive statistics was used for the calculation of SS frequency. Agreement (Cohen’s Kappa coefficient) was analysed (STATA) for each test (CM and FS). Ethics approval was obtained.

Results

92 patients were included. According to the 2016 criteria, SS was reported in 26.1% patients in whom FS was used and in 34.8% patients in whom CM was used. The degree of intra-observer concordance for the diagnosis of FLS was perfect and moderate-high for observers. Inter-observer agreement was substantial, with kappa values ​​of .77 FS and .75 CM.

Conclusions

FS method is a more detailed and specific score that facilitates correct classification. The use of CM as a histopathological classificatory method for SS includes more patients when compared with FS. These results are of relevance to standardise the reading of LSG biopsy in specialized services attending SS patients.