Sjogren's Syndrome

Question 1

What is sjogren’s syndrome?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory disorder

Question 2

What is the patho of Sjogren’s?

Answer 2

lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of exocrine glands (mainly lacrimal and salivary) with extensive fibrosis

Question 3

What are different types of Sjogren’s?

Answer 3

primary or secondary (RA, SLE, SS)

Question 4

What is the epid of sjogren’s?

Answer 4

middle aged females

Question 5

What is the presentation of sjogren’s?

Answer 5

1. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
2. Xerostomia
3. Parotid swelling
4. Polyarthritis/arthralgia
5. Raynaud’s phenomenon
6. Vasculitis
7. Peripheral neuropathy

Question 6

What is Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca?

Answer 6

dry eyes

Question 7

What is xerostomia?

Answer 7

dry mouth

Question 8

What investigations are done for Sjogren’s?

Answer 8

1. Schirmer’s test
2. Autoantibodies
   Other tests to consider:
3. Salivary gland biopsy

Question 9

What does Schirmer’s test show in Sjogren’s?

Answer 9

if less than 5mm of paper wet in <5mins, positive test

Question 10

What would salivary gland biopsy show?

Answer 10

Focal lymphocytic sialadenitis

Question 11

What is the management for dry eyes?

Answer 11

1. hypromellose (fake tears)

2. eye drops

Question 12

What is the management for the dry mouth?

Answer 12

Salivary substitutes (sugar free gum)

Question 13

What is the management of severe disease?

Answer 13

Immunosuppressants (steroids)

Question 14

What are complications of Sjogren’s?

Answer 14

1. Belpharitis
2. Dental caries
3. Blurring of vision