Sjorgen's Syndrome Flashcards
Define Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Characterised by inflammation and destruction of exocrine glands (usually salivary and lacrimal glands)
What is importanted to remember about the classification of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
When associated with other autoimmune disease, Sjögren’s Syndrome is termed secondary
What are the genetic associations of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
HLA-B8
HLA-DR3
What are the associated autoimmune disease of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Rheumatoid arthritis Scleroderma SLE Polymyositis Organ-specific autoimmune diseases (e.g. PBC, autoimmune hepatitis, myasthenia gravis)
What are the presenting symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Fatigue Fever Weight loss Depression Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Dry mouth Dry upper airways Dry skin or hair Dry vagina Reduced GI mucus secretions
What is Keratoconjunctivits sicca?
Dry Eyes
They will be gritty and sore
What does dry mouth lead to?
Secondary dysphagia
What does dry upper airways lead to?
Dry cough and recurretn sinusitis
What can dry vagina cause?
Dyspareunia
What can reduced GI mucus secretions lead to?
Reflux oesophagitis
Gastritis
Constipation
What are the signs of Sjögren’s Syndrome on physical examination?
Parotid or salivary gland enlargement
Dry eyes
Dry mouth or tongue
Signs of associated conditions
What investigation do you do for Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Bloods Autoantibodies Schrimer's Test Fluorescin/Rose Bengal Stains Other Investigations Biopsy
What bloods do we do for Sjögren’s Syndrome?
High ESR High amylase (if salivary glands involved)
What autoantibodies do we look for in Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Rheumatoid factor
ANA
Anti-ENA (Extractable nuclear antigens)
What is the Schirmer’s Test and what will we see for Sjögren’s Syndrome?
A strip of filter paper is placed under the eyelid
Positive for Sjögren’s Syndrome if < 10 mm of the strip is wet after 5 mins
