Review of Sjögren’s Syndrome for Primary Physicians

Abstract

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands resulting in a dry mouth and eyes. The disease can present either alone or in association with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory myopathy. In addition to symptoms caused by exocrinopathy, about half of patients present with extraglandular (systemic) manifestations including arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, lymphadenopathy, vasculitis, peripheral neuropathy, and interstitial nephritis. Patients often suffer from severe fatigue, myalgia, and dryness, which lead to a poor quality of life. Physicians should be aware of the increased risk of lymphoma development in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Currently, there are no drugs available that are able to improve the natural course of disease, making symptom relief the primary goal of therapy. Currently, pilocarpine is the only drug clinically proven for the treatment of dry eyes and mouth in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.