American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What autoantibody is often linked to Sjögren's syndrome?

1. Anti-SRP

2. Anti-GAD-65

3. Anti-histone

4. Anti-Ro/SSA

The correct answer is: Anti-Ro/SSA

The association of anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies with Sjögren's syndrome is well-documented in clinical immunology. These autoantibodies are specific to a group of proteins known as Ro (or SSA) antigens, which are ribonucleoproteins. They are commonly found in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes due to the destruction of exocrine glands. The presence of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies not only aids in diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome but also indicates an increased risk for certain complications, such as the development of systemic lupus erythematosus or neonatal lupus if a pregnant woman carries these autoantibodies. These antibodies can serve as a significant marker for autoimmune conditions, particularly within the context of Sjögren's syndrome, thereby providing insights into a patient's clinical presentation and guiding further management strategies. The other autoantibodies mentioned do have associations with other autoimmune conditions: Anti-SRP is mainly linked to polymyositis; anti-GAD-65 is associated with type 1 diabetes; and anti-histone antibodies are typically found in drug-induced lupus erythematosus. However, these do not share the same direct relationship