Comprehensive Study of Autonomic Function in a Population with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. No Evidence of Autonomic Involvement

RAIJA K. NIEMELÄ, MARKKU HAKALA, HEIKKI V. HUIKURI, and K.E. JUHANI AIRAKSINEN

ABSTRACT.

Objective. Autonomic neuropathy is associated with increased mortality. Autonomic nervous system disorders have been described in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), but the results in controlled studies have been contradictory, varying from normal to sympathetic or parasympathetic dysfunction. Since the earlier studies employed varying methodologies, which may have led to the discrepancy, we conducted a comprehensive study on autonomic function in patients with primary SS and compared our findings to healthy, carefully matched population based controls.

Methods. A conventional cardiovascular reflex test battery (Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing test, active orthostatic test) and measurements of baroreflex sensitivity with phenylephrine and 24 hour heart rate variability were performed on 30 patients with primary SS and 30 healthy age and sex matched population based controls.

Results. There were no significant differences between the SS patients and the healthy controls in any of the tests.

Conclusions. The prevalence of autonomic dysfunction is not increased in patients with primary SS compared to the general population. (J Rheumatol 2003;30:74-9)

Key Indexing Terms:

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION
CARDIOVASCULAR REFLEX TESTS
HEART RATE VARIABILITY
BAROREFLEX SENSITIVITY

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From the Divisions of Rheumatology and Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of

Turku, Turku; and Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Heinola, Finland.

R.K. Niemelä, MD, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu; M. Hakala, MD, PhD, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu and Rheumatism Foundation Hospital; H.V. Huikuri, MD, PhD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu; K.E.J. Airaksinen, MD, PhD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turku.

Address reprint requests to Dr. R. Niemelä, Department of Internal Medicine, PL 5000, University of Oulu, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland. E-mail: raija.niemela@oulu.fi

Submitted March 25, 2002; revision accepted July 15, 2002.

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