Clinical Observational Study on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Pirfenidone in Sjögren's Syndrome Complicated with Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic impact of pirfenidone in patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) secondary to Sjögren's syndrome, comparing its effectiveness against conventional treatments.

METHODS: A controlled clinical trial was conducted on a cohort of patients diagnosed with primary Sjögren's syndrome complicated by interstitial lung disease. The study included a total of 120 patients, divided equally into two groups: a control group comprising 60 patients and an observation group with another 60 patients. Random assignment placed patients in either a control group receiving hydroxychloroquine and prednisone or an observation group supplemented with pirfenidone. Pulmonary function parameters, Warrick scores from high-resolution CT scans, and Leicester Cough Quality of Life Questionnaire (LCQ) scores were assessed before and after treatment. Adverse reactions were monitored for treatment safety.

RESULTS: Before treatment, no statistically significant differences in pulmonary function indicators (FVC%, FEV1%, DLco%) were observed between the groups (P > .05). Post-treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in these parameters (P < .05). Importantly, the observation group demonstrated superior improvements in pulmonary function compared to the control group (P < .05). Warrick's scores improved significantly in both groups after treatment, with the observation group achieving a more substantial reduction in scores compared to the control group (P < .05). LCQ scores showed no significant differences between the groups before treatment (P > .05). However, after treatment, both groups exhibited significant improvements, with the observation group consistently scoring higher (P < .05). Safety assessments revealed a slightly higher incidence of adverse reactions, including neurosensory abnormality and drowsiness, in the observation group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that adding pirfenidone to the treatment regimen for NSIP secondary to Sjögren's syndrome leads to significant improvements in pulmonary function, high-resolution CT scores, and quality of life compared to conventional treatments.