Pulmonary Involvement in Sjögren Syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting exocrine glands, leading to dryness of eyes and mouth.
• Chronic lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands is characteristic of SS.
• Extraglandular manifestations are common in SS, with significant pulmonary involvement reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the prevalence and types of lung involvement in patients with Sjögren syndrome.
• To highlight the common pulmonary complications associated with SS.
• To identify the lack of evidence-based guidelines for managing SS-related lung disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies defining and reporting lung involvement in Sjögren syndrome.
• Analysis of prevalence estimates based on respiratory symptoms and diagnostic tests (radiography, pulmonary function tests).
• Identification of common pulmonary diseases associated with SS, such as airway and interstitial lung diseases.

Main Results:

• Lung involvement in Sjögren syndrome is estimated to occur in 9% to 22% of cases when defined by specific clinical and diagnostic criteria.
• The most frequent pulmonary manifestations include airways disease and interstitial lung disease.
• There is a notable absence of evidence-based guidelines to direct the treatment of lung complications in SS.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary involvement is a significant extraglandular manifestation of Sjögren syndrome.
• Airways disease and interstitial lung disease are the predominant lung conditions observed in SS patients.
• The lack of established treatment guidelines necessitates further research to improve patient care for SS-related lung disease.