Sjogren’s Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What is Sjogren’s syndrome?
A
Autoimmune disorder affecting exocrine glands resulting in dry mucus membranes
2
Q
Sjogren’s can be primary or secondary; true or false?
A
True; can be secondary to RA, SLE etc…
3
Q
State some features of Sjogren’s syndrome
A
- dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca [means dry eye syndrome])
- dry mouth
- vaginal dryness
- arthralgia
- Raynaud’s, myalgia
- sensory polyneuropathy
- recurrent episodes of parotitis
- renal tubular acidosis (usually subclinical)
4
Q
What investigations would you do if you suspect Sjogren’s syndrome?
A
- Rheumatoid factor (+ve 50%, ?secondary to RA)
- ANA (+ve in 70%, ?secondary to SLE)
- Anti-Ro (+ve 70% with primary Sjogren’s)
- Anti-La (+ve 30% with primary Sjogren’s)
- Schirmir’s test (filter paper near conjunctival sac to measure tear formation)
- Histology: focal lymphocytic infiltration
5
Q
Explain how Schirmers test is done
A
- Place folded piece of filter paper under lower eyelid with strip hanging out over eyelind
- Leave for 5 mins
- Measure distance along strip that has become moist
- 15mm is normal in healthy young adult, result <10mm is significant
6
Q
What antibodies are found in primary Sjogren’s?
A
anti-Ro
anti-La
7
Q
Discuss the management of Sjogren’s
A
- Artificual saliva & tears
- Pilocarpine may stimulate saliva production
- And investigation/treatment of underlying disease if secondary
8
Q
What are people with Sjogren’s at increased risk of?
A
Lymphoid malignancy
9
Q
State some potential complications of Sjogren’s syndrome
A
- Eye infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers
- Oral problems such as dental cavities and candida infections
- Vaginal problems such as candidiasis and sexual dysfunction
Sjogrens can rarely affect other organs causing complications such as:
- Pneumonia and bronciectasis
- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Vasculitis
- Renal impairment
