[Hepatitis C virus infection and Sjögren's syndrome]

Various immunologic and clinical abnormalities have been described in patients with chronic hepatitis C: mixed cryoglobulins, autoimmune thyroiditis, pulmonary fibrosis, polymyositis, and vasculitis. Moreover, laboratory immunologic changes have been reported in this type of infection, such as rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies. The association of primary Sjögren's syndrome with hepatitis C virus infection has been suggested. We will discuss different clinical and laboratory aspects of this association.