Primary Sjogren's syndrome : rarity in India

Abstract

Objective : Primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is rarely reported from India. We have studied the clinical spectrum and immunological profile of patients with primary SS. Methods : A prospective analysis of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome fulfilling San Francisco criteria, seen at our clinic in the last 10 years was carried out. Results : The study included 26 patients, 21 being women. The presenting symptoms included dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis/ arthralgia. Extra-glandular manifestations were glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, renal tubular acidosis and peripheral neuropathy. The important laboratory abnormalities were hypergammaglobulinaemia (16/20), antinuclear antibodies (18/26), anti-La (11/19) and anti-Ro (10/19). Minor salivary gland provided a definitive diagnosis in 16/26 (60%). Conclusion : The prevalence of primary Sjogren's syndrome is rare even in tertiary care rheumatology clinics. The clinical and immunological profile as seen here is similar to that reported in Western countries.