Sjogren's Syndrome

Question 1

What is Sjogren’s syndrome?

Answer 1

A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterised by reduced lacrimal and salivary gland secretion

Question 2

What are the primary and secondary forms of Sjogren’s?

Answer 2

Primary - not associated with other diseases

Secondary - associated with another underlying rheumatic disease

Question 3

Which gender is Sjogren’s more common in?

Answer 3

Females (more than 80% cases are female)

Question 4

What are the common symptoms and signs of Sjogren’s? (mnemonic is MADFRED)

Answer 4

Myalgia
Arthralgia
Dry mouth
Fatigue 
Raynaud's phenomenon
Enlarged parotids
Dry eyes

Question 5

What are sicca symptoms?

Answer 5

Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Fatigue

Question 6

What antibodies are most commonly seen in Sjogren’s?

Answer 6

Anti Ro and Anti La antibodies

Question 7

What is Schirmer’s test?

Answer 7

Measures tear volume

Question 8

What biopsy may you need to do in Sjogren’s?

Answer 8

Salivary gland biopsy

Question 9

What is the treatment for Sjogren’s?

Answer 9

Symptomatic
Avoid dry/smoky atmospheres
Dry eyes - artificial tears (eye drops)
Dry mouth - artificial saliva, sugar free gum/pastilles
Dry skin - skin emollients, vaginal lubricants

Question 10

What diseases are associated with Sjogren’s?

Answer 10

• RA

* SLE