An autoimmune condition mainly affecting secretory glands of the eyes and the mouth, stopping tear and saliva production

Epidemiology:

• Prevalence up to 0.4% of adult women in UK
• Most commonly seen 50-60 yr age groups
• Females > males

Aetiology

Sjögren syndrome is caused by lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune destruction (type IV hypersensitivity) of minor salivary and lacrimal glands that can lead to atrophy and fibrosis.

Genetic predisposition (HLA-DRQ) PLUS Recent infection (especially in exocrine glands)

• Autoimmune damage to secretary glands

• Takes years to develop

• Primary SS - stand alone disease

  • Triad of dry mucosa, fatigue and joint pain

• Secondary - in association with other e.g. SLE/SS/RA

Autoimmune associations:

• Autoimmune thyroid disease - hypothyroid
• Coeliac disease - autoimmune - small bowel
• Primary biliary cirrhosis - autoimmune damage of biliary tree

PC