Pulmonary involvement in Sjögren's syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands.
• Pulmonary complications in SS can significantly impact patient morbidity and mortality.
• Understanding the spectrum of lung abnormalities in SS is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and characteristics of physiological lung abnormalities in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
• To investigate the nature of pulmonary involvement in a cohort of female non-smokers diagnosed with SS.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 18 female non-smokers diagnosed with SS based on established criteria.
• Conducted comprehensive pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes (TGV), airway resistance (RAW, SAW), flow-volume curves, and diffusion capacity (DLCO).
• Performed bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial biopsies to assess lung histology and cellular infiltration.

Main Results:

• Identified a prevalent restrictive lung syndrome, particularly affecting small airways (e.g., reduced MEF25).
• Observed a significant decrease in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO).
• Consistently found lymphocytic infiltration in bronchial mucosa and lung interstitium.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary involvement in Sjögren's syndrome is a frequent and often unpredictable finding.
• The observed physiological changes and histological findings underscore the clinical-physiological importance of lung disease in SS.
• Early detection and monitoring of pulmonary complications are essential for managing patients with SS.