Objective: To determine the clinical and laboratory predictors of lymphoma development in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).
Methods: Seventy-two patients with pSS were studied. Demographic data, clinical features, serum gamma-globulin levels, autoantibodies, and HLA status were reviewed. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher's exact test, logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank tests were applied.
Results: Five patients developed a distinct non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). A history of swollen salivary glands, lymphadenopathy, and leg ulcers predicted lymphoma development.
Conclusion: Patients with pSS are at increased risk of lymphoma development, and those who have the above risk factors must be carefully observed.