Pathogenesis (disease development) Sjögren’s syndrome is one of the systemic autoimmune diseases (excessive reaction of the immune system against the body’s own tissues) from the group of collagenoses, which leads to a chronic inflammatory disease or destruction of the exocrine glands, whereby the salivary and lacrimal glands are most frequently affected. Histologically (by fine tissue), … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Causes
If the condition is secondary to Sjögren’s syndrome, treatment of the underlying disease is the primary concern. General measures Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes): Stay in rooms with adequate humidity. Protect eyes from smoke and wind, for example, sunglasses. Regularly close your eyes for a brief moment. For more, see the topic of the same name. … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Saxon text – Measurement of saliva production; The affected person places a cotton ball, which has been previously weighed, in the mouth for 2 minutes. The cotton ball is then weighed again. Schirmer test – measurement of the amount of tear production: a 5 mm wide and 35 mm long filter … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Diagnostic Tests
If extreme swelling of the salivary glands or malignant (malignant) development (lymphoma; non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) is present, parotidectomy (removal of the parotid gland) may be required.
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Sjögren’s syndrome: Leading symptoms–Glandular symptoms (disorders of glandular function). Sicca syndrome is the leading symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome: Persistent keratoconjunctivitis sicca with xerophthalmia (decreased tear production or dry eyes). Burning of the eyes Foreign body sensation / increased sensitivity to light. Persistent xerostomia (dry mouth) due to decreased … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. Family history Social history Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you suffer from dry eyes? Do your eyes burn or do you have a foreign body sensation in your eyes? Do you suffer from dry mouth? If so, … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Medical History
Eyes and ocular appendages (H00-H59). Keratitis (corneal inflammation). Sicca syndrome (xerophthalmia (decreased tear production or dry eyes) and xerostomia (dry mouth)). Xerophthalmia (decreased tear production or dry eyes) of other genesis (emergence), e.g. age-related (> 65 years), by drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressants, dry air, vitamin A deficiency (for more see below Keratoconjunctivitis sicca / … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by Sjögren’s syndrome: Respiratory system (J00-J99). If the mucosal glands of the upper and lower respiratory tract (respiratory organs) are affected: Chronic cough irritation Dysphonia (hoarseness) Rhinitis sicca (dry nose) Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59) Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (“dry eyes“) due to … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Complications
Joint European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Criterion Points Focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (salivary gland inflammation) with a focal score of ≥1 foci/4 mm². 3 Anti SS-A/Ro antibody positiveNote: Anti SS-A/Ro antibodies may also be present in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 3 Ocular staining score … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Classification
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Oral cavity [caries?, inflammation of the oral mucosa?] Saliva or secretion Amount [decreased] Expressed (squeezed saliva or secretion) [turbid]. Cancer screening [examination of all lymph … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Complete blood count [anemia (anemia); leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count); thrombocytopenia (< 100,000/μl/decreased platelet count)] Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) [usually unremarkable] and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) [↑] Gamma globulins (antibodies) [polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia] Detection of autoantibodies (IgG) vs. Antigens in the cytoplasm of the salivary … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Test and Diagnosis
If the diagnosis is secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (sSS), the focus is on treating the underlying disease. Therapy Objective Relief of symptoms Therapy recommendations Note: According to the recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), patients with Sjögren’s syndrome should be treated in or or in close collaboration with specialized centers and multidisciplinary. Topical therapies … Sjögren’s Syndrome: Drug Therapy
