Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Sjögren Syndrome Compared to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Alone

Objectives This study aimed to compare the difference of the clinical and laboratory features of the patients between the combined systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren syndrome (SLE-SS) and SLE only. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify the articles as to SLE with SS between 1970 and May 2011. The demographics, pertinent clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from 6 publications, and a meta-analysis was performed. The pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were computed for the variability of these parameters between SLE-SS and SLE. Results A total of 6 studies were included, consisting of 2489 patients with SLE and 444 with SLE-SS, and the estimated prevalence of the latter was 17.8%. Patients with SLE-SS were older and more often had associated oral ulcers and arthritis. In contrast, proteinuria (odds ratio = 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–2.25; P < 0.0001) was more common in SLE alone than SLE-SS, and central nervous system involvement tended to be more common. Anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies were equally prevalent in both groups. Anti–SSA/Ro and anti–SSB/La antibodies were more frequent, and anti-Sm and anti-cardiolipin antibodies were less prevalent in SLE-SS than SLE alone. Conclusions There are significant variances in certain clinical and laboratory aspects between SLE-SS and SLE. This combined disease of SLE-SS has distinct features with relatively less major internal organ involvement but has more specific autoantibody profile and favorable clinical outcome.