title: Development of Sjögren's syndrome during treatment with recombinant human interferon-alpha-2b for chronic hepatitis C.
abstract: A 63-year-old woman with type C chronic active hepatitis developed Sjögren's syndrome after being treated with recombinant interferon-alpha-2b. After 3 months' interferon-alpha administration, serum levels of gamma-globulin (4.5 g/dl) and titers of antinuclear and anti-SS-A antibodies were greatly increased, anti-SS-B antibody appeared, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated. Although no xerostomia was exhibited, the patient experienced conjunctival dryness. Schirmer's test showed reduced lacrimal gland function and a gum test showed reduced salivary gland function. Sialography revealed scattered pools of retained contrast media with a diameter of around 1-2 mm. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome was made. This present case may provide important information regarding the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Unoki
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moriyama
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tabaru
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Masumoto
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Otsuki
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins