Sjogren's Syndrome

Question 1

What is Sjogren’s syndrome?

Answer 1

AI condition affecting exocrine glands resulting in dry mucosal surfaces

Question 2

What illnesses can cause Sjogren’s?

Answer 2

RA, SLE, systemic sclerosis, primary biliary cirrhosis

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Sjogren’s?

Answer 3

Dry eyes, mouth, vagina
Arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue
Raynaud’s
Sensory polyneuropathy

Question 4

What do investigations show in Sjogren’s?

Answer 4

RF positive in 100%
ANA positive in 70%
Anti-Ro positive in 70%
Anti-La positive in 30%
Hypergammaglobulinaemia with a high total IgG

Question 5

What is the management of Sjogren’s?

Answer 5

Artificial tears and saliva
Pilocarpine (muscarinic agonist) may stimulate saliva production
NSAIDs for arthralgia
Immunosuppression if severe