Work

Diagnostic value of minor salivary gland biopsy for Sjögren's syndrome in children: A monocentric retrospective study over 10 years

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Minor salivary gland biopsy in children alone appears to lack diagnostic power. • Associate minor salivary gland biopsy with other parameters like anti-SSA antibodies positivity allows to increase diagnosis performance. • Anti-SSA antibodies results should be available before proceeding for minor salivary gland biopsy. Minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) is a minimally invasive test used in suspected autoimmune diseases. Our study goal was to evaluate diagnostic performance of MSGB in children suspected of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We did a retrospective monocentric study on patients under 18 years old who had a MSGB between October 2011 and December 2021 at Bicêtre University Hospital. Biopsy was considered positive if focus score was positive or Chisholm-Mason score was superior to 2. Sixty-six MSGB were analysed in SS indication, 23/66 (35%) were positive and 13/23 (57%) were associated with a confirmed final diagnosis. MSGB was sensitive and specific (Se = 81%, Sp = 80), but with low positive and negative predictive value (57% and 7%). Twenty of 64 MSGB also had positive anti-SSA antibodies. Anti-SSA antibodies improved MSGB specificity (98%). MSGB demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity, but the predictive values and likelihood ratios make it a poor screening test. However, when combined with other criteria such as the presence of anti-SSA antibodies, the specificity of MSGB is improved. A larger prospective study should be carried out to support our results and clarify the good indications for MSGB.

Source: Joint Bone Spine

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2024.105825

Authors: Fanny Adeline, Ambre Hittinger, Lois Bolko, Catherine Guettier, Isabelle Kone-Paut, Adrien Schvartz