SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SJOGRENS-SYNDROME

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2-R) were studied i n patients with or without Sjogren's syndrome (SS). The mean sIL2-R le vel was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in those with autoimmune dis eases, whether with or without SS, than in healthy people. The serum l evel of sIL2-R did not help to distinguish primary from secondary SS, or the absence of this syndrome in patients with autoimmune diseases. We found a correlation between the sIL2-R level and the presence of SS -A and SS-B antibodies or antinuclear antibody levels, and no correlat ion with other serological and clinical markers. Salivary gland anomal ies were always accompanied by high sIL2-R levels, but there was no co rrelation between sIL2-R levels and degree of glandular lesion. Routin e determination of sIL2-R in patients with dry syndrome is likely to p rove useful for ruling out SS without resorting to invasive testing.