Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Sjogren's Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis Study: Double Trouble


Do you have both Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis? This recently published study found here may be of interest to you. SS: Sjogren's syndrome, RA: Rheumatoid arthritis.

Characteristics of Sjögren's Syndrome in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Jing He, Yan Ding, Min Feng, Jianping Guo, Xiaolin Sun, Jing Zhao, Di Yu, Zhanguo Li
Rheumatology. 2013;52(6):1084-1089. 

Abstract:
Objective. To compare features of SS in RA with primary SS and RA without SS.

Methods. Patients hospitalized between January 2007 and December 2010 were retrospectively studied. Seventy-four cases of overlap RA and SS (RA/SS) among 509 cases of RA were identified. Cases of SS (n = 187) detected during the same period acted as controls.

Results. Among those with RA/SS, there were 46 cases of RA-onset SS and 12 cases of SS-onset RA. Sixteen patients had simultaneous-onset RA and SS. Compared with RA without SS, RA/SS patients had more severe arthritis; a higher incidence of haematological abnormality, fever and rash; and a higher frequency of RF, ANAs and anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies (P < 0.05). Compared with primary SS, RA/SS patients were older, had more severe arthritis, anaemia and lung involvement; a lower incidence of fever, rash, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and hyperthyroidism; and a higher frequency of RF, anti-keratin antibody, anti-perinuclear factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies (P < 0.05). Compared with RA and primary SS, RA/SS patients had higher disease activity scores of both RA and SS.

Conclusion. RA/SS patients have distinctive features, with more complications and systemic involvement. In addition, disease activity is higher in RA/SS.

2 comments:

Julie said...

Thanks for writing on this, Julia. I had seen this study yesterday, and of course, you are up-to-date, and are writing on it!

I do have both RA and secondary Sjogrens and do have more extra-systemic manifestations, including heart,pleurisy, GI tract,etc. in addition to joints, salivary glands, eyes.etc.There is organ damage left behind by the autoimmune inflammatory process. I have been difficult to treat, despite the multitudes of biologics,chemo ,DMARDS, etc we have tried.

I look forward to more studies such as this, with even a bigger patient number, involved in the studies.

grace crawford said...

One of the most serious concerns facing people with Sjögren’s syndrome is an elevated risk of developing lymphoma, cancer involving the lymphatic system.

Grace Crawford Dr Alexandria Schnee Cold Laser Therapy For Knees

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