Week 2 - Sjogrens Syndrome

Question 1

what is sjogrens syndrome?

Answer 1

autoimmune disease characterised by lymphocytic infiltrate in exocrine organs

Question 2

what are the main symptoms of sjogrens?

Answer 2

main symptom = sicca (dryness)

also causes arthralgia, fatigue and parotid gland swelling

Question 3

is sjogrens a primary or secondary disease?

Answer 3

can be either

can be primary of secondary to RA or SLE

Question 4

what may occur alongside sjogrens?

Answer 4

increased lymphoma risk
peripheral neuropathy
ILD

Question 5

how is sjogrens diagnosed?

Answer 5

confirmation of eye dryness (schirmers test)
Auto antibodies
lip biopsy
American European consensus group classification criteria

Question 6

what auto antibodies are specific for sjogrens?

Answer 6

anti Ro

anti La

Question 7

what are the American European consensus group classification criteria?

Answer 7

ocular symptoms
oral symptoms
ocular signs
oral signs
positive minor salivary gland biopsy
positive anti SSA or SSB antibodies (ant Ro or La)
must have at least 4 for diagnosis

Question 8

how is sjogrens treated?

Answer 8

mainly symptomatically
- eye drops, saliva supplements etc
can use hydroxychloroquine for arthralgia and fatigue
immunosuppression if organ involvement