Autoimmnue Dx - Sjogren's Syndrome

Question 1

What’s the tx focus of Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 1

There’s no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome

Tx focuses on reducing the sx of dry eyes and dry mouth

Question 2

What’s the primary tx for dry eyes?

Answer 2

Artificial teardrops e.g. Systane, Refresh, Clear Eyes and Liquifilm

Question 3

What may be irritating to the eye in eye drops?

Answer 3

Preservatives likely Benzoyl peroxide

Question 4

What may be preferred if eyes dry out while sleeping?

Answer 4

Ointment

Question 5

What’s the last line for dry eyes in Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 5

Cyclosporine eye drops (Restasis)

Question 6

What’s the non-pharmacologic tx for dry mouth?

Answer 6

Salivary stimulation, using sugar-free chewing gum (with xylitol)

Lozenges

Daily rinses with Antimicrobial mouthwash

Question 7

List the muscarinic agonists used for dry mouth

Answer 7

Pilocarpine (Salagen)

Pilocarpine opthalmic (Isopto Carpine)

Cevimeline (Evoxac)

Question 8

What’s Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 8

Autoimmune dx, most often characterized by severe dry eyes and dry mouth