Rheumatology - Sjogren's Syndrome

Question 1

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 1

Autoimmune condition affecting the exocrine glands

Question 2

What glands are primarily affected in Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 2

Lacrimal
Salivary

Question 3

What is the difference between primary and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 3

Primary occurs in isolation

Secondary occurs secondary to SLE or RA

Question 4

What are the antibodies associated with Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 4

Anti-SS-A (anti-Ro)
Anti-SS-B (anti-La)

Question 5

What test is used for Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 5

Schirmer test

Filter paper under eyelid and measuring how far the moisture travels

15mm is expected

Question 6

How is Sjögren’s syndrome diagnosed?

Answer 6

Clinical features
Presence of antibodies

Consider salivary gland biopsy

Question 7

How is Sjögren’s syndrome managed?

Answer 7

Artificial tears
Artificial saliva
Vaginal lubricants
Pilocarpine
Hydroxychloroquine for joint pain

Question 8

How does pilocarpine work?

Answer 8

Stimulates muscarinic receptors

Stimulates parasympathetic nerves promoting salivary and lacrimal gland secretion

Question 9

What are the complications of Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 9

Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis
Corneal ulcers

Oral
Dental cavities
Candida infections

Vaginal
Candida infection
Sexual dysfunction

Question 10

What are some rare complications of Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 10

Pneumonia
Bronchiectasis
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
Vasculitis
Renal impairment