Objective: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection is assoc
iated with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Patients and methods: Four pati
ents with Sjogren's syndrome underwent endoscopy. Three H. pylori cult
ure-positive patients were treated with triple therapy for eradication
of infection. One patient was not infected and was not treated. Eradi
cation was verified endoscopically and/or serologically 2 and 6 months
after the end of therapy. The severity of xerophthalmia and xerostomi
a 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.