Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors in primary Sjögren's syndrome with secondary immune thrombocytopenia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics in primary Sjögren's syndrome(pSS) with secondary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

MethodsFour hundred and ninety-eight pSS patients were retrospectively analyzed.Clinical manifestations, laboratory results and immunological index characteristics were compared between pSS patients with or without ITP.

ResultsAmong the 498 pSS patients, 17.86%(89/498) had the secondary ITP, and the ITP group showed the higher disease activity and lower C3 levels(P < 0.01) compared with the control group (P < 0.01).In addition, pSS patients with secondary ITP had less arthritis(15.8% vs 5.6%, P < 0.05) and interstitial lung disease(16.5% vs 4.5%, P < 0.05).

ConclusionsSecondary ITP is a common complication in patients with pSS.The main clinical characteristics include the decreased complement C3 levels and higher disease activity score.However, the development of interstitial lung diseases and arthritis were independent protective factors for secondary ITP in pSS patients.