Sjogren’s Syndrome

• Definition
· Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks tear ducts, salivary glands, and the mucus membranes in the mouth and sinuses leading to dry eyes, dry nose and dry mouth.

Overview
· Sjogren’s Syndrome is much more common in women.
· Sjogren’s Syndrome usually presents between 40 and 60 years of age.
· Sjogren’s Syndrome can be associated with other autoimmune disorders:
· primary biliary cirrhosis
· rheumatoid arthritis
· lupus

• Symptoms
Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome include:
· dry eyes (this can be severe and lead to ulcer formation of the cornea)
· burning eyes
· foreign body sensation in the eyes
· dry mouth (this can be sever and lead to difficulties swallowing, dental caries, cotton mouth)
· swelling of the parotid salivary gland

• Diagnosis
· Sjogren’s Syndrome is diagnosed by:
· laboratories for certain auto-antibodies
· biopsy of the mucosa of the mouth
· biopsy of the parotid gland
· measurement of the quantity tear production (Schirmer test)

• Treatment
Treatment of Sjogren’s is based on supportive therapy; maintaining hydration and lubrication
· artificial tears
· artificial saliva
· cholinergic medications

• Prognosis
· Sjogren’s Syndrome symptoms can be bothersome but the disease does not usually interfere with a normal life span.

References
Garcia-Carrasco M et al: Primary Sjögren syndrome: clinical and immunologic disease patterns in a cohort of 400 patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2002;81:270. [PMID: 12169882]
Brito-Zeron P et al: Circulating monoclonal immunoglobulins in Sjögren syndrome: prevalence and clinical significance in 237 patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2005;84:90. [PMID: 15758838]
Ono M et al: Therapeutic effect of cevimeline on dry eye in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome: a randomized, double-blind clinical study. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:6. [PMID: 15234277]

Posted on March 23, 2009

2 Responses to “Sjogren’s Syndrome”

  1. Health and Wellness: Medicues Sialadenitis says:
    March 23, 2009 at 2:50 am

    [...] • Overview · Sialadenitis commonly occurs as a result of an obstruction in the normal flow of saliva from the salivary glands. · Sialadenitis is more common occurs after periods of dehydration · Sialadenitis can occur due to the formation of an obstructing salivary stone The parotid gland is located over the jaw just in front of the ear The submandibular gland is located under the jaw of both side of the trachea · Sialadenitis is associated with Sjögren’s syndrome [...]

    Reply
  2. Health and Wellness: Medicues Parotid Swelling says:
    April 29, 2009 at 1:27 am

    [...] swelling may be caused by: stone obstructing the salivary gland Mumps cancer of the parotid gland Sjögren Syndrome Ptyalism [...]

    Reply

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