| Sjögren's ("SHOW-grins") syndrome is an autoimmune
disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks
its own moisture producing glands. Sjögren's is one of
the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, striking as many as
4,000,000 Americans. Nine out of ten patients are women. The
average age of onset is late 40s although Sjögren's occurs
in all age groups in both women and men.
About 50% of the time Sjögren's syndrome occurs alone,
and 50% of the time it occurs in the presence of another connective
tissue disease. The four most common diagnoses that co-exsist
with Sjögren's syndrome are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic
Lupus, Systemic Sclerosis (scleroderma) and Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis.
Sometimes researchers refer to the first type as "Primary
Sjögren's" and the second as "Secondary Sjögren's."
All instances of Sjögren's syndrome are systemic, affecting
the entire body.
The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjögren's
may also cause dryness of other organs, affecting the kidneys,
GI tract, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas, and the central
nervous system. Many patients experience debilitating fatigue
and joint pain. Symptoms can plateau, worsen, or go into remission.
While some people experience mild symptoms, others suffer
debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their quality of
life.
|
Site Location: Lab Services
>> Subject Index >> Sjögren’s Syndrome
