Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome An autoimmune disease that classically combines dry eyes, dry mouth, and another disease of the connective tissues, commonly rheumatoid arthritis, but sometimes lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis, or another autoimmune condition. Sjogren’s syndrome is an inflammatory disease of glands and other tissues of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) leads to decreased tears and dry eyes. Inflammation of the glands that produce saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to dry mouth. Sjogren’s syndrome can consequently be complicated by infections of the eyes, breathing passages, and mouth. About 90 percent of Sjogren’s syndrome patients are female, usually middle aged or older. Diagnostic clues include the presence of antibodies that are directed against a variety of body tissues (autoantibodies). Diagnosis can be made via biopsy of an affected gland. Treatment is directed toward the particular areas of the body involved and to complications, such as infection. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and sicca syndrome.