Abdominal symptoms during primary Sjögren's syndrome: a prospective study

ContextAbdominal symptoms are poorly documented during primary Sjogrens syndrome (pSS). ObjectivesTo describe abdominal symptoms among pSS patients and to assess their association with characteristics of the disease. MethodsOne hundred and fifty patients followed at Hospital and University Center of Limoges were prospectively included and were evaluated using a composite global symptom score (GSS) describing abdominal symptoms and their severity. Data concerning the clinical and biological characteristics of the pSS and abdominal disorders were also collected. ResultsNinety-five per cent of pSS patients suffered from abdominal symptoms with a median GSS of 7.5{+/-}5.5 points out of 30. More than half of the patients experienced abdominal tension (68%), upper abdominal pain (54%), abdominal discomfort (58%) and/or constipation (54%). Regarding the pSS activity ESSDAI score items, general and central nervous system involvement was associated with a high GSS. Regarding the patients symptoms ESSPRI score, there was a positive correlation with the GSS (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed a statistical association between a high GSS and seronegative status for SSA, gastroparesis and ESSPRI score (p<0.01 for each one). ConclusionThis study revealed that more than 90% of pSS patients suffered from abdominal symptoms. There is currently no therapeutic recommendation because of the lack of specific study and comprehension of the physiopathological mechanisms involved.