Organ-specific autoimmunity in primary Sjögren's disease

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Primary Sjögren's disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder.
• Organ-specific autoimmunity (OSA) involves immune system attacks on particular organs.
• The prevalence and impact of OSA in SjD patients require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of OSA in patients with primary SjD.
• To explore associations between OSA and clinical/serological factors in SjD.
• To evaluate the relationship between OSA and SjD disease activity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 328 SjD patients (ACR/EULAR criteria) was analyzed.
• Various OSA types (gastrointestinal, hematological, neurological, dermatological, endocrinological) were recorded.
• Demographics, clinical data, and EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) scores were collected.

Main Results:

• OSA was identified in 37.9% of SjD patients, with autoimmune hypothyroidism being most frequent.
• OSA preceded SjD in 30.3%, followed SjD in 50.8%, and was concomitant in 18.8%.
• Logistic regression indicated associations between OSA and anti-Ro/SSA, disease duration, methotrexate, and azathioprine use.

Conclusions:

• One-third of primary SjD patients exhibit OSA, predominantly endocrine-related.
• OSA can manifest at any point relative to SjD diagnosis and does not correlate with increased disease activity.
• Screening for OSA is crucial for managing comorbidities in SjD patients.