Pulmonary Involvement in Sjögren's Syndrome: Correlations with Biomarkers of Activity and High-Resolution Computer Tomography Findings

Abstract

(1) Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) represents a systemic autoimmune disease whose pathophysiology has yet to be elucidated, though it is known that the inflammatory process encountered in SS is of a systemic nature, with cytokines representing the main mediators for tissue damage. (2) Aim of the study: The aim of the present study is to further the understanding of the link between interleukin serum levels, cytokine serum levels, HRCT findings and the Warrick score (as tools for the evaluation of pulmonary involvement) in patients with pSS. (3) Methods: The present study is a retrospective, observational one aimed at ascertaining the link between SS activity and its clinical implications, as well as how interleukin and TNF-α levels correlate with systemic changes. The study enrolled 112 patients with pSS and 56 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, as a control group. pSS activity was assessed using the ESSDAI. Cytokine levels and leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were measured in both groups. The focus score was calculated for each patient, HRCT was performed to assess lung function, and the Warrick score was calculated. (4) Conclusions: HRCT revealed NSIP in 13 patients (59.09%) and UIP in 9 patients. The strongest positive correlation was identified upon analyzing the relation between IL-8 and the Warrick score (r = 0.9156, p < 0.00001), followed by a positive correlation between the score and IL-6 levels (r = 0.5738, p < 0.0052). Unsurprisingly, the degree and severity of pulmonary involvement was also positively correlated with the degree of disease activity (r = 0.4345, p = 0.0433).

Keywords: ESSDAI score; Sjögren’s syndrome; focus score molecular mechanisms; primary SS; tumor necrosis factor-α.

Figure 1

Correlation between Warrick score and IL-8.

Figure 2

Correlation between Warrick score and ESSDAI.