January 2022
A literature search reveals very few studies or publications on the relationship of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and Covid-19. There are some studies done into rheumatic diseases in general of which SS is one.
The most recent study I can find was reported in December 2021 and had the disturbing news that patients with primary sjogren's syndrome (pSS) often suffered symptoms for many months after having COVID-19. They found that 57% of patients with pSS affected by COVID-19 remained symptomatic after 5 months. This is the first study that analyses the frequency and characteristics of post-COVID-19 syndrome in patients affected by a systemic autoimmune disease. It was conducted on 132 patients with pSS from a variety of countries.
Other information can be found at The Sjogren's Foundation. This is from 2021: "Those on highly immunosuppressive drugs such as rituximab remain at highest risk for getting very sick if infected, even if fully vaccinated including with additional recommended doses. Other drugs that may increase risk of getting very sick with COVID-19, even if vaccinated, are Cellcept, and being on chronic steroids such as prednisone 10mg or more."
Dr Alan Baer did a talk in June 2021 and one of the questions he answers is 'With sjogren's, am I at higher risk of poor outcomes with COVID-19 infection?' You can listen to his talk here
He refers to a review and analysis of 26 studies done which give us the following statistics on a world wide level. When compared to the general population people with rheumatic diseases are at:
- higher risk of getting COVID-19
- no higher risk of hospitalization
- no higher risk of ICU admission
- no higher risk of death
Alan Baer, MD, is a rheumatologist and Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is also Director of the Jerome L. Greene Sjögren’s Syndrome Center.
I also recommend listening to Professor Roger Seheult as he is Quadruple Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and he explains things in layman's language. He has 2 videos explaining what we can do to prevent getting the virus and what to do if we get the virus. From his recommendations everyone should have a Pulse oximeter in their home. It is used to monitor oxygen saturation and possible COVID pneumonia. His other recommendations explained in his video in depth are:
- Vitamin D up to 4000IU daily
- Magnesium helps uptake of vitamin D
- Quercertin
- Zinc up to 40 milligrams of elemental zinc
- Get a good night's sleep - sleep before midnight is better for us
- Ventilation - open the windows in your home
- Hepa Filters
Roger Seheult, MD is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and Assistant Prof. at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
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