Clinical and Serological Features of Sjogren Syndrome in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: It is uncertain whether the Sjogren Syndrome (SS) associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) represents a clinical entity similar to primary SS (pSS) or merely a manifestation in the clinical spectrum of RA. In the present study, we sought to determine the clinic and serologic features of SS associated with RA in comparison to the RA features using well defined SS classification criteria. Methods: RA patients successively referred for a biologic infusion were questioned on oral and ocular dryness. Schirmer’s test and unstimulated salivary flow were performed in each patient. Patients with subjective oral or ocular dryness and/or 1 abnormal objective test underwent a minor salivary gland biopsy. The diagnosis of secondary SS was based on the criteria of EuropeanAmerican consensus group criteria for SS. Clinical and biological parameters of SS and RA (with measure of disease activity and health status of RA, search for Raynaud’s phenomenon, anti-CCP, RF anti-SSA-positivity and beta2-microglobulin level) were then compared between patients with/without sSS.