DAMAGE TO THE ENDOTHELIUM IN SJOGRENS-SYNDROME - LACK OF CORRELATION WITH ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODY TITER AND PRESENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO SSA OR SSB AUTOANTIGENS

Serum levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (as an index of damage to the endothelium) and tissue antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to SSA (Ro) (which have been associated with vasculitis) and SSB (La) autoantigens were measured in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Although high levels of all indices were recorded, there were no intercorrelations. This provides evidence that although tissue autoantibodies may be useful in confirming a diagnosis, they have no place in the pathological course of the disease and so may be an epiphenomenon.