[Effects of Sjögren's syndrome on pulmonary function impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

The influence of Sjögren syndrome (SS) on pulmonary function impairment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients has been few studied. The aim of this study was to analyse the pulmonary function impairment in RA patients, and to establish differences between patients associated or not to SS. Pulmonary function of 57 patients, non smokers and without another pulmonary disease, diagnosed of RA were studied. Fourteen (24.6%) were associated to SS, and 43 (75.4%) to RA without SS. Age and time of evolution of disease were similar. Eight patients with associated SS (57.2%), and in 20 (46.5%) without SS showed pulmonary function disorder. Airflow obstruction and DLCO diminution were the most common types of impairment, respectively. The comparison between the types of impairment and the mean values of FEVI, FVC, FEVI/FVC %, FEF 25-75 and DLCO were not statistical different. This results suggest a poor influence on pulmonary function impairment in RA patients with SS.