Sjögren's Syndrome

Question 1

Define Sjögren’s syndrome

Answer 1

Systemic autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammation, infiltration and destruction of exocrine glands (salivary and lacrimal)

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 2

Unknown aetiology
HLA-B8, DR3
Associated with:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• SLE
• Polymyositis
• Other autoimmune diseases e.g. PBC, MG

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome

Answer 3

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry, gritty, sore eyes)
• Xerostomia (dry mouth -> dysphagia)
• Dry cough
• Dry skin/hair
• Dyspareunia (dry vagina)
• Arthralgia/myalgia/arthritis

Question 4

What are the signs of Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 4

• Parotid or salivary gland enlargement

* Dry eyes/mouth/tongue

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for Sjögren’s syndrome?

Answer 5

• Bloods
- Raised ESR, amylase (salivary glands)
- Rheumatoid factor, ANA, anti-La, anti-Ro
• Schirrmer’s test – filter paper to measure lacrimal function