The frequency of sicca syndrome in an elderly female population.

In a population of 103 elderly Caucasian women, 39% had sicca symptoms and 24% had abnormal Schirmer's tear tests. Two (2%) satisfied criteria for Sjögren's syndrome and 12 (12%) were felt to have possible Sjögren's syndrome. Fifty percent of those with sicca were taking medications that might induce mucosal dryness. Fibrosis was noted on all 23 labial minor salivary gland biopsy specimens obtained. Mucosal drying medications and senile salivary gland atrophy seemed to contribute to the high frequency of sicca in this population with a lesser proportion of the subjects demonstrating previously undiagnosed Sjögren's and possible Sjögren's syndrome.