Utility of salivary gland biopsy in diagnosing Sjogren's syndrome in a POTS patient population.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: POTS patients undergo labial salivary gland biopsies (LSGB) for histologic confirmation of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Predictive features of positive results are unknown. METHODS: 161 POTS patients underwent LSGB. Their charts were reviewed for antibody and diagnostic testing results. RESULTS: Only 11% (17/161) of POTS patients were SS positive. There were more positive ANA antibodies in those with positive LSGB (65% v 28%, p = .0026). Positive skin nerve biopsy for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was associated with positive LSGB (p = .046). CONCLUSION: A positive ANA and skin biopsy for SFN are two helpful features in selecting POTS patients for LSGB.