Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Primary Sjogren
A systemic autoimmune disease whose characteristic is ocular and salivary involvement, but also includes other organs such as lung (pneumonitis), kidney (interstitial nephritis), and neurological (central and peripheral) and lymphoproliferative features

Correct therapy depends on correct diagnosis
New international criteria
Potential pitfalls in diagnosis

Epidemiology of Sjogren’s

Predominately women (9:1) with two ages of median onset
In the 30’s and 50’s
2. Much of what we call SLE in the older patient is actually Sjogren’s syndrome

What causes Sjogren’s

A combination of Genetic and Environmental Factors
From family and twin studies, approximately 4 genes are required but even then an environmental factor is needed

Time course of autoimmune response

1. Genetic factors predispose to Sjogren’s. 2. Environmental factors such as a viral infection may lead to  formation of autoantibodies. 3. Antibodies precede disease (however, presence of antibody does not  necessarily mean disease