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Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C virus
M Ramos-Casals1, M García-Carrasco, R Cervera
1Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Clinical Rheumatology
|June 5, 1999
Summary
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune condition. Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection can mimic SS symptoms, and testing for HCV is recommended in SS patients, especially with liver issues.
Area of Science:
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting exocrine glands, causing dry eyes and mouth.
- Viral infections are suspected contributors to SS etiology, with a potential link to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) proposed in 1992.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the association between Sjögren's Syndrome and Hepatitis C Virus infection.
- To summarize current knowledge on the pathogenic, clinical, and immunological significance of the SS-HCV association.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating Sjögren's Syndrome and Hepatitis C Virus.
- Analysis of prevalence data for HCV antibodies in primary SS patients.
- Comparison of clinical, histological, and immunological features of SS and chronic HCV infection.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in primary SS patients ranges from 14% to 19% using third-generation ELISA.
- Chronic HCV infection can present with clinical, histological, and immunological features resembling primary SS.
- HCV is considered a rare cause of primary SS when liver disease or cryoglobulinemia are absent.
Conclusions:
- HCV infection should be screened in patients diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome.
- Particular attention should be paid to patients with SS who exhibit liver involvement or cryoglobulinemia.
- HCV may mimic primary SS, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.