[Pancreatic duct antibodies and subclinical insufficiency of the exocrine pancreas in Sjögren's syndrome].

In previous studies we reported evidence of subclinical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in primary or secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SSI, SSII) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In present study we evaluated the occurrence of pancreatic duct antibodies (PDA), and their relationship to exocrine pancreatic function in 36 women. Of these patients, 12 were classified as SSI, 12 as SSII, and 12 as RA. Exocrine pancreatic function was evaluated using the Secretin-Caerulein test (S.Cae test). The indirect immunofluorescent technique was used to evaluate patient sera for PDA. S.Cae test results, compared to controls, showed a statistically significant decrease in duodenal juice volumes, bicarbonates and enzymes in 58.3% of SSI, in 58.3% of SSI and in 30% of RA, according to our previous trials. PDA were found in two patients, the former with SSI and the latter with SSII, both asymptomatic with regard to pancreatic diseases but with impaired exocrine pancreatic function as evaluated by S.Cae test. We discuss the possible causes of these results.