The Scleroderma Association of NSW Inc. 

cannot offer direct advice on treatment or available therapies. 

It is up to each patient to make all relevant health decisions

In consultation with their own doctor or health professional.

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Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It is named after Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren (1899-1986), who first described it. Sjögren's syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases. The hallmark symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes (part of what are known as sicca symptoms). In addition, Sjögren's syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness, and may affect other organs of the body, including the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and brain. Nine out of ten Sjögren's patients are women and the average age of onset is late 40s, although Sjögren's occurs in all age groups in both women and men. It is estimated to strike as many as 4 million people in the United States alone making it the second most common autoimmune rheumatic disease.

How is it Diagnosed? Decreased tear production can be measured with a Schirmer's test (where a strip of blotting paper is inserted into each eye for 5 minutes) or with special eye stains. decreased saliva production or salivary gland derangement or enlargement can be determined by special ultrasound/nuclear medicine X-ray tests. A biopsy may also be taken of one of the salivary glands (usually a lower lip labial gland0. Blood tests are also done to detect autoantibodies which include rheumatoid factors (RF), antinuclear autobodies (ANA), SSA or SSB. These tests also help to exclude other causes of dry eyes and mouth mimicking Sjogren's. For more information contact us by email to order your pamphlets.

The Scleroderma Association of NSW Inc. 

cannot offer direct advice on treatment or available therapies. 

It is up to each patient to make all relevant health decisions

In consultation with their own doctor or health professional.

Updated Updated Wednesday, 18. January 2012

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