PREVALENCE OF PRIMARY SJOGRENS-SYNDROME IN CHINA

Objective. To determine the prevalence rate of primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in a community population of 2066 adults in a Beijing suburban village, and 100 inpatients, who were not necessarily admitted for rheumatic diseases. Methods. Questionnaire and serological studies of antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and anti-SSA, anti-SSB antibodies were done. Possible positive subjects were given eye and oral examinations for objective evidence of xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Results. According to the Copenhagen criteria, the prevalence rate of primary Sjogren's syndrome in China was 0.77%, and it was 0.33% by modified San Diego criteria. In 100 inpatients, we found 4 cases of primary Sjogren's syndrome by Copenhagen criteria, and one case by modified San Diego criteria. Conclusion. Primary Sjogren's syndrome is not a rare disease in China, but most cases are overlooked or misdiagnosed.