Objectives:

To describe the frequency of extra-glandular cutaneous manifestations in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. To determine the clinical and laboratory profile of patients who present with these manifestations compared to those who do not.

Materials and methods:

A study was made of patients included in GESSAR database (Sjögren Syndrome Society of Argentina Rheumatology Study Group) were analyzed. For the comparison between groups, the controls were randomly selected, with a case: control ratio of 1:4. Patients with purpura were compared with controls.

Results:

A total of 67 (14.1%) of the 474 patients included in the database had extra-glandular cutaneous manifestations. Of them, 58% had purpura. Arthritis, neuropathy, a decrease in C3 and C4 levels, and the presence of cryoglobulins, were statistically more frequent in cases compared to controls, although there was no independent association found with any of these variables. As regards purpura, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, decrease in C3 and C4, anti-La, and cryoglobulinemia were statistically more frequent compared to controls. Only the decrease in C4, and the presence of cryoglobulins were independently associated with the presence of purpura.

Conclusion:

Extra-glandular cutaneous manifestations were observed in 14% of the patients. Purpura was the most frequent cutaneous manifestation. This was independently associated with decreased C4 and the presence of cryoglobulins.

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