COMORBIDITIES IN SJOGREN'S
Comorbidities
Comorbidities are diseases or conditions, not caused directly by Sjogren's, that occur at higher rates in people with Sjogren’s than in the general population. There are many reasons why Sjogren's patients are at increased risk for both general and immune system comorbidities.
Comprehensive Sjogren's care includes screening, and when possible, prevention of comorbidities. Rheumatologists and/or primary care providers (PCPs) should monitor Sjogren’s patients for comorbidities and offer preventive measures when possible.
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Comorbidities can be divided into two major categories: General Comorbidities and Immune System Comorbidities.
Comorbidities: General
As with other systemic inflammatory diseases, Sjogren’s is associated with an elevated risk for infections, strokes, heart attacks, osteoporosis and other conditons. Infections and cardiovascular disease are a significant cause of premature mortality (early death) in Sjogren’s patients (24, 42, 47).
Comorbidities: Immune System
A second autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease is present in about half of Sjogren's patients. These include rheumatological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or spondylitis, as well as other autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases.
Learn about immune system comorbidities here.
Comprehensive care includes
monitoring, preventing, and managing Sjogren's comorbidities.
Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional neurological disorders are often named as Sjogren's comorbidities.
Read this blog post to learn why these labels are usually inappropriate for Sjogren's patients.
Updated 06-21-2023