Sjögren’s Disease Prevalence Significantly Higher Among alaska Native and American Indian Adults, Study Finds
ANCHORAGE, AK – A new study reveals a substantially higher prevalence of Sjögren’s disease (SjD) among Alaska Native (AN) and American Indian (AI) adults than previously understood, highlighting a critical need for improved diagnostic practices and targeted research within these populations. Researchers identified a prevalence of 199 cases per 100,000 persons, significantly impacting AN/AI communities across Alaska.
The study, published recently by Rheumatology Advisor, analyzed data from 177 adults with rheumatologist-confirmed SjD diagnoses between 2012 and 2019, utilizing chart reviews within the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS). Age-adjusted prevalence estimates were calculated using the 2000 United States standard population. Findings indicate a marked disparity in prevalence between genders, with women experiencing a rate of 335 per 100,000 persons compared to 46 per 100,000 persons among men.
Researchers differentiated between primary and secondary SjD,finding prevalence rates of 129 and 70 per 100,000 persons,respectively. the overall age-adjusted incidence rate over the study period was 16.6 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 13.7-20.0).
Despite high rates of positive serological markers – 81% were Ro/SSA-positive, 88% antinuclear antibody-positive, and 73% rheumatoid factor-positive – objective diagnostic testing was limited. Only 5% of patients underwent salivary gland biopsy and 10% received ocular staining assessments, resulting in only 3% meeting full American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. A majority (66%) met modified classification criteria based on sicca symptoms and Ro/SSA antibody positivity.
Common systemic features observed included arthritis in 46% of patients and lymphopenia in 21%. Among those with secondary SjD, rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequent coexisting condition, present in 83% of cases, followed by systemic lupus erythematosus in 23%.
Study authors acknowledge limitations including the reliance on clinical diagnosis and potential under or overestimation of the true disease burden due to possible care access outside the ATHS system.
“We hope that future research will describe the prevalence of SjD in different rural and Indigenous populations,” the authors stated. “These findings will be useful in guiding clinicians and health care systems delivering care to AN/AI populations.”
