Vinicius de Macedo Possamai
Brazil
Research Article
Sjogrens Syndrome and Sicca Symptoms in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Author(s): Alex Magno Coelho Horimoto, Vinicius de Macedo Possamai and Izaias Pereira da CostaAlex Magno Coelho Horimoto, Vinicius de Macedo Possamai and Izaias Pereira da Costa
Introduction: Several autoimmune diseases can be accompanied by dysfunction of the salivary glands, regardless of the presence or absence of association with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). A recent study by Maeshima and colleagues found salivary hyposecretion in 58.3% of patients with various connective tissue diseases, particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Objective: To determine the prevalence of SS and sicca symptoms in patients with SSc. Assess whether the presence of SS in patients with SSc causes worsening of the disease.
Methods: 69 SSc patients periodically monitored in the rheumatology clinic at NHU / UFMS composed the study. All patients were questioned about sicca symptoms and clinical features. We evaluated the RF levels, ANA, anti-Ro / La.
Results and Discussion: 69 SSc patients were enrolled in the study, with average age of 51.2 years, .. View More»