The pathogenesis of SS remains
unknown. It is possible that an environmental
agent (e.g., virus) may trigger
events in a genetically and otherwise susceptible
host, resulting in the development
of SS. Alternatively, decreased
function of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal
axis may cause SS, as this also
occurs in other autoimmune rheumatic
diseases. Hormonal factors may influence
the pathogenesis, since females with
SS are far more common than males.
Finally, SS has a genetic component: the
prevalence of SS and autoantibodies (e.g.,
anti-Ro/SSA) may be higher in family
members than in the general population.