ABSTRACT
To evaluate insulin resistance in Primary Sjogren's Syndrome [pSS] using homeostasis model assessment [HOMA] method Cross-sectional study conducted between January 2006 and December 2008 Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey Thirty-five female patients with pSSful filling the US-European Consensus Criteria. A brief clinical history, demographic, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory profileswererecorded HOMA-IR and serum lipid levels Mean level of HOMA-IR was 1.8 +/- 0.7 in patients with pSS. Mean levels of plasma fasting glucose and insulin were 90.6 +/- 7.1 mg/dl, 7.8 +/- 2.5 micro U/l, respectively. A statistically significant difference was detected between ANA positivity and HOMA-IR values [p=0.016]. Four patients with pSS had high HOMA values [>2.7] and all these patients had ANA positivity. A statistically significant positive correlation was detected between HOMA-IR values and HDL-C levels [R=0,450 p=0.009]. However, a statistically significant difference was detected between extraglandular involvement and LDL-C [p=0.01] and total cholesterol levels [p=0.01]. Patients who had no extraglandular involvement had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. Lower triglyceride levels were seen in patients with anti-La antibodies [p=0.01] but not other antibodies [p>0.05]. Patients with ANA positivity and pSS had lower LDL-C levels [p=0.009]. Autoimmune mechanisms may play a role in insulin resistance in pSS. Metabolic alterations should be taken into account in their management