Many people develop Sjögren's in the absence of other autoimmune conditions. However, it is common to develop Sjögren's in association with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Studies have shown that people with Sjögren's have a higher risk of developing lymphoma, a type of cancer. Also, an antibody (a protein created by the immune system) that may be present in pregnant women with Sjögren's can cause heart problems in newborns.
