Sjogren's syndrome and Helicobacter pylori infection

Objective: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Patients and methods: Four patients with Sjogren's syndrome underwent endoscopy. Three H. pylori culture-positive patients were treated with triple therapy for eradication of infection. One patient was not infected and was not treated. Eradication was verified endoscopically and/or serologically 2 and 6 months after the end of therapy. The severity of xerophthalmia and xerostomia was evaluated clinically and by the Shirmer's test before, and 2 and 6 months after the end of therapy. Results: H. pylori was eradicated from the three infected patients. The signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome improved in all three patients. The Shirmer's test confirmed amelioration. Conclusion: H. pylori may trigger or worsen the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.