Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the association and application value of rheumatoid factor (RF) in diagnosis of dry eye among patients with common autoimmune diseases.Patients and MethodsA retrospective case-control study was conducted from Jan 1st 2019 to Dec 31st 2020, and 117 patients with common autoimmune diseases were enrolled. The concentrations of serum RF were detected. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the values of RF in diagnosis.ResultsCompared with no dry eye patients, patients with dry eye (n = 59, 50.43%) had higher levels of RF (P < 0.001). Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that RF levels were negatively correlated with Schirmer-I tear test (P = 0.004) and invasive tear film break-up time (P = 0.002), respectively. The statistically significant threshold value (cut-off points) of the RF levels for dry eye was 21.4 (IU/mL), and the areas under the curve (AUC) of RF was 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.639–0.821; P < 0.001) (sensitivity = 78%; specificity = 58.6%) for dry eye among patients with common autoimmune diseases.ConclusionSerum levels of RF may be an independent factor for dry eye among patients with common autoimmune diseases, and they may have a high significant value and clinical application value.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.