Clinical and Laboratory Features in Patients with Pulmonary Involvement of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (Original)

Background:Pulmonary involvement in primary Sjo rens syndrome has been the subject of various studies. Objectives:To determine the incidence of pulmonary involvement in patients with primary Sjo grens syndrome and to clarify the clinical and laboratory features of primary Sjo grens syn‑ drome with pulmonary manifestations. Methods:We reviewed 91 patients with primary Sjo grens syndrome.Clinical and laboratory findings in patients with pulmonary involvement were compared with those in patients without pulmonary involvement. Results:Sixteen patients with primary Sjo grens syndrome had radiographic evidence of pulmonary involvement including reticulonodular shadows indicative of lobular pneumonitiscystic lesionsand honeycombing indicative of interstitial pneumonitis with fibrosis.The prevalence of serum anti-U1-RNP antibodies and serum levels of IgA were significantly higher in patients with pulmonary involvement(44%and 425±154 mg/dlthan in those without(15%and 337±139 mg/dl both P<0.05.Patients with primary Sjo grens syndromeregardless of pulmonary involvement tended to have lower carbon monoxide diffusing capacities/VA and lower maximum expiratory flow values at 50%of vital capacity than did healthy controls.Of the 3 patients with pulmonary involvement who diedonly 1 died of exacerbation of interstitial pneumonitis. Conclusion:Clinically significant pulmonary involvement is a relatively common complication of primary Sjo grens syndrome.Positivity for serum anti-U1-RNP antibodies and high serum IgA levels of primary Sjo grens syndrome may indicate future pulmonary involvement. (Jikeikai Med J 2002;49:23-9