Delayed Diagnosis Linked to Sjögren Disease Severity

A survey of U.S. patients revealed that waiting over a year for a diagnosis significantly worsened disease outcomes.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Arthritis

A glass medical vial containing a clear test solution sitting on a sterile white surface in a laboratory. — A 2026 study found that patients who wait more than a year for a Sjögren disease diagnosis face significantly worse disease outcomes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel your local healthcare system provides timely diagnoses for patients with chronic illnesses?

A 2018 study of 511 patients across the United States found that individuals who waited more than a year for a Sjögren disease diagnosis faced 2.3 times the odds of experiencing moderate or greater disease activity. The research, published in October 2026, highlighted how delays in specialist referrals and test results impacted patient quality of life.

Why it matters

Understanding the link between timely diagnosis and symptom management is vital as an estimated 2.5 million Americans remain undiagnosed with the condition. The findings underscore the critical need for streamlined referral processes to improve long-term outcomes for those living with the disease.

Surveyed patients had a mean age of 53.3 years and a mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis of 2.3 years. Approximately 88.5% of the 511 participants were female, and 56% reported using over-the-counter eye drops for treatment.

The players

Sjögren's Foundation

This national organization provides advocacy and resources for patients affected by the chronic autoimmune disease.

ACR Open Rheumatology

This is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American College of Rheumatology.

The details

Physicians identified the wait for specialized rheumatology referrals and the delay in receiving test results as primary drivers for the diagnostic lag. These systemic bottlenecks have historically hampered early intervention, forcing many patients to rely on symptomatic relief rather than targeted therapies.

Data collection for the primary survey took place in 2018.
The research was published in ACR Open Rheumatology in October 2026.
Ianalumab received FDA breakthrough therapy designation in January 2026.
Dazodalibep met its primary end point in the phase 3 OASIZ 301 trial in September 2026.

The Big Picture

This story follows the research trajectory set by the phase 3 OASIZ 301 trial by highlighting the clinical importance of early therapeutic intervention.

Patients who suspect they have symptoms should prioritize early discussions with primary care providers to expedite rheumatology referrals. This proactive approach may help mitigate the increased disease activity associated with prolonged diagnostic delays.

The takeaway

Early recognition of symptoms remains the most effective tool for preventing the progression of moderate disease activity. Patients should maintain detailed records of symptom onset to provide specialists with the information needed for a faster diagnosis.