Review of Sjögren Syndrome: A Comparison of Two Topical Biologic Treatment Options

AS: Autologous Serum
PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma
E-PRP: Eye-PRP 
SS: Sjögren Syndrome
TNF-alpha: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis
SLE: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SP1: Salivary Protein 1
CA6: Carbonic Anhydrase 6
PSP: Parotid Secretory Protein
TFBUT: Tear Fluorescent Break Up Time
OSS: Ocular Staining Score
IL-3: Interleukin-3
NSAID’s: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs 
IFN-α: Interferon-alpha
PDGF: Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
TGF-β: Transforming Growth Factor-beta
EGF: Epidermal Growth Factor
FGF: Fibroblast Growth Factor
OSDI: Ocular Surface Disease Index
GvHD: Graft versus Host Disease
IGF-1: Insulin-like Growth Factor
PF4: Platelet Factor 4
BCA-1: B Cell-Attracting chemokine-1
ANA: Anti-Nuclear Antibody
PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy

Sjögren Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characteristically observed in middle-aged women that results in the progressive destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands [1]. The resulting xerophthalmia may progress to cause additional ophthalmic manifestations including corneal scarring, infectious and sterile corneal ulceration and perforation [1]. Although SS is estimated to be the second most common rheumatologic disorder and one of the most prevalent autoimmune conditions encountered by eye care practitioners [2], the most common topical treatments employed by practitioners have not evolved with our expanding knowledge of its pathophysiology. A recent online survey found that the most commonly prescribed topical treatments for aqueous deficient dry eye include cyclosporine A 0.05% (68%), fluorometholone 0.1% (60%), loteprednol etabonate 0.5% (51%). The only biologic topical treatment mentioned in the survey was autologous serum eye drops (49%) [3]. We found no mention of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). The purpose of this paper is, firstly, to review the current data available on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and topical treatment of SS-related dry eye. Secondly, it is to compare the clinical response of two topical autologous treatment approaches, Autologous Serum (AS) and Eye-Platelet-Rich Plasma (E-PRP); finally we will propose possible hypotheses on why the clinical response between AS and PRP are different. We fully understand that this small case series does not meet the scientific rigor of a clinical trial but as the number of Sjögren patients who have experienced both treatments increases and with the standardization of the PRP preparation protocol, a clearer delineation of the two procedures may be possible.

To obtain data and form the intellectual framework for this review and case series, literature from 2000 to 2015 was screened in an EBSCO host database search using the following keywords: Sjögren syndrome, biologic therapies, corticosteroids, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, NSAIDs and amniotic membranes. In our review, we have compiled the results of case studies, moderately-sized studies, and randomized controlled trials, dry eye treatment reviews, reviews on pathogenesis of Sjögren disease, and summaries of the most widely-investigated treatment regimens featuring biological treatment options for Sjögren-associated aqueous deficient dry eye. The data was then restricted to topical treatment options to fit the specifics of this review.

Although the pathologic hallmarks of SS are mononuclear cell infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands with CD4 T lymphocyte predominating [4] the pathogenesis of Sjögren syndrome manifestations have become known to involve multiple components of the immune system [5]. The chief components are the B-cell lymphocytes, T-cell lymphocytes and dysregulated of cytokines [5,6].

The role of B lymphocytes in SS pathogenesis has been reviewed by Manoussakis et al., [7]. Histological observation of the lacrimal gland has shown approximately10% B cells and immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells on biopsy [8]. It is believed that B cell lymphocytes become hyperactive resulting in the hypergammaglobulinemia that is seen in 35-40% of SS patients [9]. The B cells in SS patients demonstrate markers that initiates the activation, proliferation and differentiation of B cells as well as a marker known as CD20 (also known as B1) that is thought to initiate the activation, proliferation and differentiation of B cells as well as a ectopic expression of markers like B Cell-Attracting chemokine 1 (BCA-1) that acts as a homing receptor that direct the cells to the lacrimal gland [10,11]. In addition there is evidence that supports an altered B cell differentiation induced by elevated levels of the B Cell Activating Factor cytokine (BAFF) [12]. The involved B-cells also produce antibodies directed towards the acinar epithelium as well as ducts of exocrine glands, attacking the tissue and interfering with proper tear production and salivary function [13].

Lacrimal gland biopsy, which shows a 75% involvement from CD4 T cells, supports the theory that T cells play a significant role in the generation and perpetuation of inflammatory infiltrates in salivary glands in SS [14,15]. The autoantigens expressed on the surface of endothelial cells may trigger the T cell migration into the lacrimal gland tissue and then, with the association with cell adhesion molecules, be directed to the tissue expressing the antigens. Of course neither lymphocyte population functions in a vacuum; an associated increase in autoantibody production from local B cells also occurs during the T cell migration into the lacrimal gland [16].

It is also known that dysregulated cytokines function in the pathogenesis of SS [17]. Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) have been shown to be over-produced in SS patients and suggested to play a role in the apoptosis of the epithelia in the lacrimal gland [18]. It has also been shown that specific cytokines including IL-10, CD24, CD38, and CD5 become elevated in the blood samples of SS patients which enhances the inflammatory response [19] (Figure 1).


Figure 1: Pathophysiology of Sjögren syndrome.

The diagnostic clinical work-up of SS patient involve a series of tests, including serological tests for autoantibody biomarkers, minor salivary gland and lacrimal gland biopsies as well as a panel of ophthalmic tests.

Diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome should never be made without a rheumatologic consult. After a rheumatologic consult, Sjögren syndrome can be classified into one of two forms; primary SS and secondary SS. Although the classification of SS is more for research purposes, the American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome is considered [20]. Primary SS is considered when at least four of the criteria found it table 1 are present. In addition, either criterion 5 or criterion 6 must be included. Sjögren syndrome can be diagnosed in patients who have no sicca symptoms if three of the four objective criteria are present [21]. When the criteria in table 1 are applied a sensitivity of 97.2% and a specificity of 48.6% is achieved for the diagnosis of primary [22]. Secondary SS involves primary complications with concurrent autoimmune diseases [1,3]. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common associated comorbidity; others include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), Sarcoidosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Raynaud’s disease and Biliary cirrhosis. Thirty percent of patients with RA, SLE or other sclerotic diseases have associated SS [3]. Early diagnosis and monitoring is significant for patients with SS as well as additional investigation to rule out coexisting autoimmune conditions.

No.	Criterion	Criterion Description
1	Ocular symptoms	Dry eyes for more than 3 months, foreign-body sensation, use of tear substitutes more than 3 times daily
2	Oral symptoms	Feeling of dry mouth, recurrently swollen salivary glands, frequent use of liquids to aid swallowing
3	Ocular signs	Schirmer test performed without anesthesia (<5 mm in 5 min), positive vital dye staining results
4	Oral signs	Abnormal salivary scintigraphy findings, abnormal parotid sialography findings, abnormal sialometry findings (unstimulated salivary flow <1.5 mL in 15 min)
5	Positive minor salivary gland biopsy findings
6	Positive anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibody results

Table 1: Primary Sjögren syndrome criteria [18].

Although the objective diagnostic tests discussed above are useful for the eye care practitioner in determining the presence of an aqueous deficient dry eye, it is the laboratory testing that helps narrow the suspicion to a probable Sjögren syndrome. Although the detection of SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, ANA, and RF are considered important in the diagnosis of SS, they are not always positive in patients with SS, especially in early cases [18]. Recently a novel set of SS autoantibodies which includes; Anti-Salivary Gland Protein 1 (SP1), Anti-Carbonic Anhydrase 6 (CA6) and Anti-Parotid Secretory Protein (PSP), have been shown to be expressed earlier than the traditional SS biomarkers. The early onset inflammatory markers are available in an approved diagnostic panel known as the Sjö™ test [23-25]. This finger-prick blood test kit contains all of the items required to perform a finger-prick production of blood which is then placed on a filter paper in a series of spots. The spots are allowed to dry and the sample sent to a lab for the presence of the seven markers.

Some standard ophthalmologic tests are used in evaluating for aqueous deficiency in patients with and without SS; therefore, it is important to understand the lack of specificity of these generic dry eye assessments. Some of the most common objective tests for aqueous dry eye conditions include schirmer’s test, diagnostic dyes, tear osmolarity, one of the few ophthalmic diagnostic tests that measure lacrimal function is the schirmer test which has demonstrated a sensitivity of only 42% and a specificity of 76% for Sjögren syndrome [26]. A modification of the schirmer test adds the use of proparacaine 0.5% to decrease the sensation of the filter paper in the conjunctival sac. This modification provides an improved sensitivity of the test [27]. 

Diagnostic tests that employ the use of fluorescein, lissamine green and rose bengal dyes and are used in evaluating for aqueous deficiency in patients with and without SS. The most common tests include the use of fluorescein dye for the purpose of assessing the tear stability (TFBUT) and the staining of the ocular tissue. In general, the TFBUT is a measure of an evaporative dry eye rather than aqueous deficient dry eye and a measurement of less than 10 seconds is considered abnormal but not sensitive to patients with SS. Lissamine green is less commonly used in general practice but can provide further information towards SS diagnosis with any of the staining score analysis methods [28]. Rose bengal is another dye that stains the ocular tissue in a similar manner to lissamine green although it is known to cause slightly more discomfort on insertion than lissamine green [29]. The authors have observed lissamine green staining like that shown in figure 2 months before the serologic confirmation of SS or other autoimmune conditions.


Figure 2: Representative ocular surface appearance of patients seen in this case series. Note the significant lissamine green punctate staining of the bulbar conjunctiva.

Another objective measure of the ophthalmic complications associated with SS includes the use of tear testing. Tear osmolarity has a slightly higher specificity than other objective tests for dry eye, but not specific for SS [30]. Tear analysis of an inflammatory marker, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), has been shown to be highly associated with dry eye [31] but the evidence for specificity diagnosing SS is lacking. Testing for the tear protein lactoferrin, which is exclusively produced from the lacrimal gland and more specific to diagnosing conditions that reduced lacrimal gland function like SS [32-34].

A more recently proposed method of stain analysis known as the Ocular Staining Score (OSS) implements a 0 to 12 scale of lissamine green staining combined with salivary gland testing and examination for autoantibodies of SS. Patients with SS tend to have higher scores than patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca only [35,36]. A number of other tests that measure different components of the ocular surface known to be affected in Sjögren’s patients that don’t require gland biopsies are also in development [29,37].

Cyclosporin A: The most commonly prescribed topical treatment for aqueous dry eye is topical cyclosporine [3]. Topical cyclosporin A is an anti-inflammatory derived from a fungus and has been shown to have many effects on the immune system. Cyclosporine A functions as a secretagogue for the lacrimal gland and also inhibits T-cell activation, thereby limiting lymphocyte-induced apoptosis of acinar cells. The resulting benefits to the dry eye patient have been reported to include increased tear production as well as the inhibition of apoptosis of cells of the ocular surface including an increase in goblet cells [38,39]. In patients with severe dry eye and SS a more frequent dosing of topical cyclosporine 0.05% than twice daily has been suggested [40]. Cyclosporine 0.05% was shown to improve schirmer test results, reduce corneal staining, and improve subjective symptoms in patients with moderate to severe dry eyes but not necessarily confirmed SS [41]. Topical 2% cyclosporin A solution has been reported to successfully treat corneal ulcers and decrease apoptosis-related markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjögren syndrome [42]. 

Topical steroids and NSAID’s: The next most commonly prescribed topical treatments for aqueous deficient dry eye are topical fluorometholone 0.1% and loteprednol etabonate 0.5%. These milder steroids such as can reduce the risks associated with topical steroids and thereby allow for a longer treatment periods for primary or secondary SS [43,44]. Use of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% dosed four times daily has been shown to provide significant improvement of symptoms and signs in two weeks compared to a placebo [45]. Loteprednol dosed twice daily has also been shown to help patients transition to cyclosporin-A treatment by reducing the sting that usually accompanies the use of cyclosporine-A [46]. In addition to steroids topical NSAID’s have been shown to be useful in resolving symptoms of ocular discomfort in SS patients [47], but should not be used for long periods of time because of the risk associated with corneal perforation [48].

Tacrolimus: Although not used as often as other non-biologic treatments, tacrolimus, a macrolide calcineurin inhibitor, have been shown to inhibit the apoptosis of cells by inhibiting cytokine release of IL-3, 4, 5, 8, Interferon-alpha (IFN- α) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF- α) [6,49,50] and has been shown to have similar immunosuppressive properties to cyclosporine. Originally tacrolimus, like cyclosporine, was approved for graft rejection but later has found use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and as a topical preparation for eczema. A 2012 study demonstrated that tacrolimus could be as effective as cyclosporine-A in dry eye cases of patients with GvHD when cyclosporine-A was proven ineffective for certain patients in the study [51].

According to the FDA website biologic treatment products include a wide range of products such as vaccines, blood and blood components, allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy, tissues, and recombinant therapeutic proteins [52]. Currently there are no commercially available eye drops that are considered to be biologics, although a few are in development. However, what are available are autologous blood products that contain a number of biologics that have been shown to heal the ocular surface that become damaged either directly or indirectly from the SS pathophysiologic process.

To understand the differences between Autologous Serum (AS) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) it is first important to know the differences between serum and plasma. Serum is the clear liquid part of whole blood after the cellular components and the clotting proteins have been removed by centrifugation. Serum includes all proteins not used in blood clotting (coagulation) and all the electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, hormones, and any exogenous substances (e.g., drugs and microorganisms) [53,54]. Fox et al., [55], first used autologous serum eye drops to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Subsequently, AS drops have been used to treat persistent epithelial defects [56], neurotrophic ulcers [57], superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis [58], the ocular surface signs and symptoms associated with graft versus host disease [59], and post-LASIK dry eye [60]. Liu et al., suggested that the topical use of AS provide some growth factors and other nutrients that come from a normally functioning lacrimal gland [61].

On the other hand, plasma is yellow in color and contains clotting proteins like fibrin as well as many of the acellular components found in serum. Marx et al., [62] has shown that plasma also contains concentrated amounts of some important cell-adhesion molecules which promote epithelial migration. It should be noted however that approximately 1,000 proteins have been detected in plasma and it is speculated to contain thousands more [63]. Blood plasma is prepared by the centrifugation of fresh blood containing an anticoagulant. The resulting uppermost yellow layer is then removed from the underlying red layer which contains most of the formed elements of the blood. Platelet-rich plasma, as the name implies, is plasma with concentrated levels of platelets. Within the platelets are the alpha granules that, upon activation, release a number of bioactive proteins promoting tissue repair [64]. The bioactive proteins include Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), as well as cytokines, such as Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) and Cluster of Differentiation 40 Ligand (CD40L) [65-67]. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used to treat acute corneal chemical injury [68], severe dry eye [69], dormant ulcers [70], including neurotrophic, exposure and limbal deficiency with corneal ulcer after herpetic keratitis, and three case reports of corneal ulcer which included neurotrophic ulcer, exposure corneal ulcer, and limbal deficiency with corneal ulcer after herpetic keratitis [71]. Selected components of tears, serum and PRP are compared in table 2 [72,73].

	Tears	Serum	PRP
pH	7.4	7.4	7.96
Osmolarity	298	296	347
EGF (ng/ml)	0.25	0.5	1.7
TGF-β (ng/ml)	2-10	6-33	67
PDGF (ng/ml)	0.03	1.7	12.6
VEGF (pg/ml)	6.15	91.8	204.5
Fibronectin (μg/ml)	21	205	301

Table 2: Concentration of selected components of tears, serum and platelet rich plasma [65,66,70].

Case #1: SL is a 38 year old female with a long history of dry eyes. Her eye discomfort was significant enough that she had difficulty working on the computer which was vital for her job. A survey of symptoms was administered with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and her result would suggest that her dry eye is mild. Although she reports “having dry eyes all my life” she had lasik about 5 years prior to her visit. Her medical history was significant for Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Prior treatment for her dry eyes included a variety of artificial tears gels and ointments, a sleep mask and 5-6 years of restasis and autologous serum. 

Her vision without correction was 20/20 from each eye. Her lid margins were notably reddened from telangiectasia and thickened. Her tears were debris-filled with a TFBUT of 4 seconds in the right eye and 5 second in the left. Phenol red thread test was measured at 10 mm from the right and 8 mm from the left eye. Her oxford ocular surface staining score was consistent with that of a moderate to marked level of severity in both eyes.

Her presentation was consistent with dry eye with mixed etiologies including blepharitis, Sjögren syndrome and a history of refractive surgery. A 50% concentrate of PRP was prepared and dosed twice a day in each eye. The patient showed marked improvement in 3 weeks in both signs and symptoms of her ocular surface staining and lid margin telangiectasia. In the months that followed she remained stable and only worsened when she discontinued the use of the PRP drops. Today she continues to receive PRP drops and on occasion requires lid hygiene and expression.

It is interesting to note the disparity between the ocular signs and symptoms as they relate to the OSDI. When asked about her responses on the OSDI she suggested that she had been living with the condition for so long that her interpretation of severity has changed. 
Case #2: KD is a 72 year old female who was referred for preparation of platelet rich plasma after a poor response to numerous preparations of autologous serum. She had been diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome years earlier and presents with best corrected acuity of 20/50 in each eye. She had surgery for cataracts 4-5 years ago. She reported using a number of other treatments for her dry eye which also failed.

Her tear assessment showed a schirmer test of 1 mm in each eye and an immediate break-up of the TFBUT. Staining of the ocular surface showed a moderate to marked level of severity on the Oxford ocular surface staining schema.

She was prepared a 50% concentrate of PRP and instructed to use the drops 2-3 times a day in each eye. Additional treatment included the use of preservative free artificial tears 4 times per day between PRP drops. The patient was instructed to call the office in one month because the season and distance prevented her from returning in one month. The patient reported significant improvement in her comfort and vision compared to her autologous serum drops. Two months later she returned with 20/40+ vision from each eye, a TFBUT of 3 seconds in each eye and notable improvement in her ocular surface staining appearance. 

Case #3: EA originally was a 66 year old woman who originally presented to the office with complaints of ocular pain from both eyes with the left eye slightly worse than the right. She reported being diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome about 16 years ago and has experienced periods of eye pain and blurred vision that waxed and waned. Subsequently she has also been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. Her OSDI responses confirmed a severe dry eye. Her history was significant for Lasik, PRK, cataract surgery and Yag capsulotomy in both eyes. She reports minimal to no improvement from a number of treatments for her dry eye which included; a variety of artificial tears, gels and ointments, bandage lenses, restasis, punctal plugs, lacriserts, fish oil supplements and autologous serum dosed between 6-10 times per day.

She presented with very narrow palpebral fissures because of her discomfort. Visual acuity was measured at 20/100 from her right eye and 20/200 from her left eye. She was found to have an immediate TFBUT in both eyes and staining of the cornea and conjunctival ocular surface consistent with a moderate to marked severity on the Oxford ocular surface staining scale. After insertion of topical anesthetic she was found to also demonstrate corneal filaments in the central cornea of each eye.

A 50% PRP concentrate was dispensed to be dosed 2-3 times a day in each eye. She discontinued all other treatments except for the fish oil supplements and the use of preservative-free artificial tears 3-4 times between PRP doses. After 6 weeks of treatment her ocular surface began to improve and her vision improved to 20/30 from her right eye and 20/60 from her left eye. Although she has experienced worsening of her systemic symptoms related to the Sjögren’s, Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus, she continues on her current treatment which keeps her eyes comfortable and her vision stable to work as a research consultant.

Sjögren syndrome, whether in the primary or secondary form, can cause disabling pain and profoundly disrupted vision. Although there are many topical preparations available for the ophthalmic complications of SS, only two are considered to be biologic and autologous. All of the patients in this series failed on their previous treatments including autologous serum, but reported improvement in symptoms, vision or both after beginning a 50% concentrate of PRP dosed between 2-4 times per day. 

Alio et al., [69] speculated that the main difference between PRP and AS is the presence of platelets in the former and, due to this fact, a prolonged release of growth factors. Other authors have offered hypotheses to explain the different clinical responses between AS and PRP. A study comparing AS to PRP in patients with persistent corneal epithelial defect after infectious keratitis suggested that the higher levels of epitheliotropic growth factors are responsible for faster healing observed in patients taking PRP compared to patients taking AS [74]. In a study using PRP for the treatment of refractory ocular GvHD the authors noted that some of their subjects that responded favorably to PRP had previously failed with AS [75].

It has been suggested that the similarity between normal tears and serum is the reason for the positive clinical improvement observed with AS in Sjögren syndrome patients, but today it is more precise to say that it is the addition of the growth factors found in AS that is responsible for this improvement. It is natural to conclude from the studies reviewed in this paper as well as our reported clinical observations that the improved clinical response of PRP compared to AS is due to the prolonged increased concentration of growth factors found in PRP. Recent studies suggest nerve Growth Factor (NGF) may play a key role in healing of the conjunctival surface damaged by hyperosmolar stress [76]. Others have suggested that it may be the presence of multiple growth factors rather than a single growth factor that lead to the varying responses [77] including DNA synthesis, cellular proliferation [78], anti-apoptotic signaling and alteration of cell morphology and motility through association with the actin cytoskeleton [74,79]. This observation doesn’t take into account the other bioactive proteins within the alpha granules that act as co-factors for the growth factors. 

Although AS has been used in the past for the treatment of severe ocular surface disease, we believe that the improved clinical response that has been observed by us and others with PRP should be the preferred treatment in moderate and severe dry eye conditions with multiple contributing factors like Sjögren syndrome. We are working on methods to enhance the beneficial effects of PRP and hopefully show that an earlier exposure to PRP may delay the ocular complications from becoming embedded until more effective systemic treatments become available.