Estimating the prevalence among Caucasian women of primary Sjögren's syndrome in two general practices in Birmingham, UK

Scand J Rheumatol. 2004;33(1):39-43. doi: 10.1080/03009740310004676.

Abstract

Objective: To establish the prevalence among women of primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) in Birmingham, UK.

Methods: Eight hundred and forty-six female Caucasians from two general practitioner lists were invited to complete a questionnaire that included a screening question on dry eyes and mouth. Individuals who responded positively were evaluated further.

Results: Overall, 65/% of individuals who were sent a questionnaire responded. Two had possible PSS, but were negative for anti-Ro/La antibodies. Our estimates of the prevalence of PSS ranged from < 0.1% up to 0.4%, depending on the assumptions used.

Conclusion: Our data support previous studies suggesting a prevalence of PSS in the community of 0.1-0.6% rather than those suggesting a higher figure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Family Practice
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prevalence
  • Probability
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • Urban Population