Primary Sjogren's syndrome and autoimmune cytopenias: a relation often overlooked.

Abstract

Primary Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease wherein there is lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands. This inflammation is thought to be caused by B-lymphocytes. The most common clinical feature of Sjogren's is dryness of the mouth and eyes, but rare complications can occur such as autoimmune cytopenias. Here we report two cases of immune mediated cytopenias that were diagnosed to be due to Sjogren's syndrome. In both cases, immune suppressive treatment was required.