Sjogren's Syndrome Flashcards
What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?
A long-term autoimmune disease in which the moisture-producing glands of the body are affected. This results primarily in the development of a dry mouth and dry eyes
What is the prevalence of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
1/100
What is the general pathophysiology behind Sjogren’s Syndrome?
The exocrine glands are affected in a destructive, fibrosing process leading to failure of gland function. The pathological findings are of focal lymphocytic infiltration in the exocrine glands
- Salivary glands
- Sweat glands
What can Sjogren’s be secondary to?
- RA
- SLE
- Systemic Sclerosis
What are clinical features of Sjogren’s?
- Sicca symptoms
- Vaginal dryness
- Dry cough
- Dysphagia
- Systemic upset
- Arthralgia
What are Sicca symptoms?
Dry eyes and mouth
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - eyes
- Xerostomia - mouth
- Polydipsia - due to dry mouth
What percentage of those with Sjogren’s present with Raynaud’s?
13%
What percentage of those with Sjogren’s have arthalgia?
50%
What might you see on examination of someone with Sjogren’s?
- Lymphadenopathy
- Parotid/Salivary Gland enlargement
- Raynaud’s
What are feautures of systemic upset seen in Sjogren’s?
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Myalgia/Myositis
- Arthalgia
- Vasculitis
- Lung, liver, kidney involvement
- Peripheral sensory neuropathy
What investigations would you do if you suspected Sjogren’s?
- Bloods - Ig, Anti-Ro, Anti-La, ANA, RF, ESR, CRP, FBC
- Schirmers tear test
- Rose Bengal staining
- Biopsy
Which sex is Sjogren’s more prevalent in?
Females - 9:1
When is the typical age of onset of Sjogren’s?
4th-5th decade
What is Schirmer’s Tear Test?
Filter paper on inside of lower eyelid
Wetting <5mm in 5 mins is positive
What is Rose Bengal Staining?
A sodium salt is commonly used in eye drops to stain damaged conjunctival and corneal cells and thereby identify damage to the eye. In Sjogren’s, It may show keratitis
