Sjögren's syndrome in systemic sclerosis. A clinical study of 26 patients

Features of Sjögren's syndrome were sought in 26 patients with systemic sclerosis and in age- and sex-matched control subjects. The assessments included a structured history to establish symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. Schirmer's I and II tear tests. Rose Bengal staining with slit lamp microscopy of the eyes, measurement of basal and stimulatory salivary secretion. We measured sweat secretion rates from the skin. Salivary scintigraphy and skin biopsies were performed on the patients. Only one patient showed the complete picture of Sjögren's syndrome with both clinical and investigational evidence of lacrimal and salivary gland involvement. A further patient had an abnormal Schirmer's II test and xerostomia with reduced salivary secretion and an abnormal scan, but no ocular symptoms and no keratoconjunctivitis sicca on ophthalmological examination. Two patients had reduced salivary flow and a dry mouth. A number of patients and control subjects showed various individual symptoms and signs of lacrimal and salivary disorders. These features alone are not sufficient for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. There is a clear need to adopt strict criteria for diagnosing the condition. The association of Sjögren's syndrome with systemic sclerosis seems doubtful and if it does occur it is very much less common than previously suggested.