Treatment of sicca symptoms with hydroxychloroquine in patients with Sjgrens syndrome

Methods. Fourteen patients with primary SS (pSS) were included (Group A). All patients were anti-Ro and/or -La antibody positive except one. Patients were treated with HCQ for a period of up to 6 months. Glandular function was determined by Saxons and Schirmers tests for the dominant eye at baseline and at the end of the treatment. We included a control group of 21 patients with objective sicca symptoms and positive -fodrin antibodies (Group B). Results. In patients with pSS (Group A), a significant increase in saliva production after HCQ treatment (P 0.022) was observed. A subanalysis revealed that particularly the -fodrin-positive patients responded to HCQ (P 0.017 -fodrin positive vs P 0.4 -fodrin negative). Interestingly, patients with sicca symptoms and -fodrin antibodies (Group B) showed a significant increase in tear production (P 0.001). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the -fodrin IgA antibody concentration and the Schirmers test at baseline (r 0.66; P 0.001) and after treatment (r 0.6; P 0.004) in this group. Conclusions. HCQ treatment led to a beneficial effect on xerostomia in patients with pSS who lack severe organ manifestations. The response was greater in -fodrin-positive patients.