Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease More Common in Patients with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome

Thus, the investigators suggest that the CV events may be related to disease-associated clinical and immunological markers. Specifically, the investigators found that the patients with leucopenia and pSS had a sixfold increased risk of developing angina than did patients with pSS and a normal white cell count.

The study adds to the growing body of literature demonstrating increased morbidity and premature mortality from CV disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. (posted 3/6/15)

Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.

Reference

1. Bartoloni E, Baldini C, Schillaci G, et al. Cardiovascular disease risk burden in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: Results of a population-based multicentre cohort study. J Intern Med. 2015 Jan 13. doi: 10.1111/joim.12346. [Epub ahead of print]