Diagnosis
Factors associated with delayed diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome among members of the Japanese Sjögren’s Association for Patients
K. Komori1, M. Komori2, T. Horino3, S. Nishiyama4, M. Takei5, N. Suganuma6
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan. jm-kaorikomori@kochi-u.ac.jp
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
- Rheumatic Disease Centre, Kurashiki Medical Center, Kurashiki, Japan.
- Division of Haematology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
CER14443
2021 Vol.39, N°6 ,Suppl.133
PI 0146, PF 0152
Diagnosis
Free to view
(click on article PDF icon to read the article)
PMID: 33822710 [PubMed]
Received: 19/01/2021
Accepted : 15/03/2021
In Press: 29/03/2021
Published: 15/12/2021
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
The heterogeneous nature of the signs and symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) often causes delays in diagnosis. The reasons for these delays have not been investigated in Japan and need to be determined.
METHODS:
We conducted a questionnaire survey of members of the Japanese Sjögren’s Association for Patients (JSAP). Questionnaire items were demographic (sex, age at diagnosis and current age) and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (age at first visit to hospital or clinic, medical department first attended, and initial symptoms). Patients were classified into those diagnosed in <1 year and those diagnosed in ≥1 year.
RESULTS:
Of the 510 patients questioned, 276 returned the questionnaire, and 255 questionnaires were assessed. The average time to diagnosis was 3.47 years. After adjustment, risk factors for delayed diagnosis were initial visit to an internal medicine department [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42–6.92] or ophthalmology department (aOR, 2.63, 95% CI 1.07–6.50), younger age at initial visit to hospital or clinic (aOR, 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99), and having symptoms of only dry eye (aOR, 2.69, 95% CI 1.09–6.64). Diagnosis was faster when patients had a dry mouth (aOR, 0.55, 95% CI 0.30–1.00) or cutaneous symptoms (aOR, 0.29, 95% CI 0.11–0.82).
CONCLUSIONS:
Risk factors for delayed SS diagnosis were younger age, initial visit to internal medicine or ophthalmology department, and having only dry eye. We need to raise awareness of SS among doctors and the general public to improve early diagnosis and therapeutic potential.
