Re: CLL and Sjogren's Syndrome

[Guest guest]

JOHN AND MED. ADV.:

Thank you for you response and time. They are appreciated!

Rosemarie

Re: Re: CLL and Sjogren's Syndrome? - Rosemarie - Attn: Med. Adv.

The relationship between autoimmune diseases and CLL is particularly interesting. What is reported is that CLL patients have an increase in autoimmunity, and that this autoimmunity is directed almost exclusively at blood targets (autoimmune hemolytic anemia - targe red blood cells; immune thrombocytopenia - target platelets). We do not see an increase in other autoimmune diseases like thyroiditis or diabetes. With this being said, rheumatologic diseases, including Sjogrens, are belived related to the CD5+ B cells that everyone has and that might be the normal counterpart of CLL cells. So it is certainly possible, although, given the low numbers of Sjogren's, it is difficult to demonstrate. Many of the patients who have both, start with Sjogren's and later develop lymphoma, possibly due to chronic stimulation of the immune system. The most common lymphoma is MALT, similar to what people get in their stomachs due to H. pylori bacteria.

Med. Advisorjb50192aol wrote:

Wow, there is one I have not heard of - lets call it to the attention of our Med. Adv.

Hello All:

I am wondering if anyone has CLL/non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Sjogren's Syndrome (which is basically a chronic autoimmune disease that affects all areas of your body in particular salivary glands--very, very dry mouth with little saliva, and optic function--very dry eyes)?

I have learned that 6% of people with Sjogren's get CLL/non-Hodgkins lymphoma which I believe was the case with me. I was never diagnosed with the Sjogren's although I had symptoms for years. No one knew what it was. The CLL diagnosis came in 1997 and the Sjogren's in 1999.

Any info. will be appreciated.

God bless. Thank You,

Rosemarie lo

52 year old female;

visited this site recently regarding bilateral facial palsies

since1999;

I was on wait and watch (I hate that term!) I think it should be

fine and cautious or something more positive;

I had one round of Rituxan and one round of Rituxan with

Fludarabene (2001-2002) with the hope that the palsies

would somehow get better. It was not given to me for the

CLL as that was "quiet," and not causing any problems. The treatment did not affect the palsies buy maybe it

has helped in keeping the CLL quiet even longer.

See what's free at AOL.com.

Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.