Lung function disorders in Sjögren's syndrome
Scherak, O.; Schernthaner, G.; Ludwig, H.; Kummer, F.
Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie 36(1-2): 22-27
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-1855 PMID: 842144 Document Number: 115219
Pulmonary function tests were performed in 15 patients with Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). All patients presented with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as with sicca syndrome. The mean values of residual volume, compliance and diffusion capacity were found to be abnormal. Vital capacity was abnormal in 40 percent of patients with SS, residual volume in 46 percent, compliance in 60 percent, and diffusion capacity in 66 percent respectively. The lung function was apparently affected more severely in SS than in rheumatoid arthritis. Thus in addition to the well known changes of lung function occuring in rheumatoid arthritis, progressing fibrosis might also contribute to a more extensive impairment of the lung function in SS. Although symptoms of chronic bronchitis and coughs were prevalent in our patients, obstruction was only observed in a comparatively small number.