Sjogren's Syndrome

Question 1

Sjögren’s syndrome can be secondary to which conditions?

Answer 1

Lupus
Systemic sclerosis
RA

Question 2

What are the risk factors for Sjogren’s?

Answer 2

Female
SLE
Systemic sclerosis
RA
HLA type II
Age 20-30 years
Post-menopausal

Question 3

What are the signs / symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome?

Answer 3

Eyes - dry, itching, burning, gritty
Mouth - dry, burning, difficulty chewing and swallowing
Severe fatigue
Arthralgia
Myalgia
Peripheral neuropathies
Lymphoma
Pulmonary, thyroid and renal disorders

Question 4

What is the investigative test for Sjogren’s test?

Answer 4

Schirmer’s test - a quantitative measurement of tear production

Question 5

How is Sjögren’s syndrome managed?

Answer 5

Eye disease - artificial tears, ophthalmic Ciclosporin, cholinergic
Mouth disease - salivary substitute, cholinergic, humidifiers, moisturisers
MSK disease - paracetamol, NSAIDs, steroids, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate
Vasculitis - steroid, IVIG
Renal tubular acidosis - potassium repletion
Neuropathy - IVIG