DISTURBANCES OF AUTONOMIC NERVOUS FUNCTION IN PRIMARY SJOGRENS-SYNDROME

Autonomic nervous function was evaluated by deep breathing [expiration /inspiration (E/I) ratio] and tilt table tests [acceleration (AI) and brake indices (BI)] in 19 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pS S) and in 56 age matched controls. The E/I-ratio and systolic blood pr essure (at rest, 1, and 8 min after tilt) were found to be significant ly reduced (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01 respectively) in p atients with pSS whereas neither AI, BI nor diastolic blood pressure d id differ significantly between patients and controls (NS). The van Bi jsterveld's score correlated negatively with the AI (r = -0.77, p < 0. 001) as well as the BI (r = -0.60, p < 0.01). No correlations were fou nd between the 3 autonomic nerve function parameters (E/I-ratio, AI, B I) and unstimulated whole sialometry or salivary gland scintigraphy. W e conclude that autonomic disturbances, mainly affecting the parasympa thetic nerves are associated with pSS.