MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sjogren syndrome

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Sjogren syndrome

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Antibodies

Definition Return to top

Sjogren syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by dry mouth, decreased tearing, and other dry mucous membranes. It is often associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The cause of Sjogren syndrome is unknown. The syndrome occurs most often in women 40 to 50 years old. It is rare in children. Pediatric patients usually present with another autoimmune disorder before developing the signs of Sjogren syndrome.

Dryness of the eyes and mouth are the most common symptoms of this syndrome; they may occur alone, or with symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis or other connective tissue diseases. There may be an associated enlargement of the salivary glands. Other organs may become affected. The syndrome may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and other diseases. Sjogren syndrome affects 3% of the population.

Symptoms Return to top

Signs and tests Return to top

A physical examination reveals dry eyes and mouth. Mouth sores may be present because of the mouth dryness.

Tests:

positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test
positive salivary gland biopsy
positive rheumatoid factor (possible)
tear test
slit lamp examination with rose bengal dye

Treatment Return to top

The goal is to relieve symptoms. Dry eyes may be treated with artificial tears as often as needed or an eye-lubricating ointment may be applied at bedtime.

Dry mouth may be helped by sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding drugs that cause mouth dryness such as antihistamines and decongestants. There are also drugs available (e.g., Pilocarpine) that increase the flow of saliva. Frequent brushing and flossing of the teeth with regular dental visits may prevent severe dental cavities associated with the dry mouth.

Arthritis symptoms may be mild and are commonly treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The disease is usually benign and prognosis (probable outcome) depends on associated diseases. There is an increased risk of lymphoma.

Complications Return to top

pulmonary infection
kidney failure (rare)
lymphoma

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Sjogren syndrome.

Update Date: 8/3/2003

Updated by: Megan Clowse, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.