Sjogrens Syndrome

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Sjogrens Syndrome

• By
• Krystal Odom Kelly Starling

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What is Sjogrens syndrome

• Sjogrens syndrome is a chronic autoimmune
  disorder characterized by xerostomia (dry mouth)
  xerophthalmia (dry eyes) and lymphocytic
  infiltration of the exocrine glands.
• In Sjogrens syndrome the bodys defense system
  turns againist itself and attacks glands that
  produce moisture.

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Suspected Causes

• The cause of Sjogrens Syndrome is unknown
  however there are some contributing factors
• Heredity
• Viral Infection
• Hormones

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Early Symptoms

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty chewing
• Dry cough

• Dry nose
• Dry throat
• Dry lungs
• Fatigue

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Late Symptoms

• Difficulty Chewing
• Oral Yeast Infections

• Cavities
• Difficulty Swallowing

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Sjogrens is Systemic

• All instances of Sjogrens Syndrome are systemic
  affecting the entire body.
• Although the hallmark symptoms of Sjogrens
  syndrome are dry eyes and mouth it can cause
  dryness of other organs affecting the kidneys GI
  tract vessels lungs liver pancreas and the
  CNS.
• Patients experience debilitating fatigue and
  joint pain

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Lab Work

• Schirmer test/Slit-lamp exam measures dryness of
  eyes
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Complete Blood Count
• Urine Test

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Diagnosis

• Sjogrens syndrome is diagnosed by blood tests a
  decrease in tear and saliva production salivary
  glands and lip biopsy.
• Early diagnosis and a maintenance of dental and
  eye care is extremely important.
• Rheumatologists primarily have the responsibility
  of diagnosing and managing Sjogrens Syndrome.

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Treatment

• Depends on symptoms.
• Artificial tears eye ointments
• Saliva substitutes
• Frequent dental visits

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Prognosis of the disease

• Ocular dryness can lead to chronic
  keratoconjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.
• Oral dryness leads to cavities fissures canidal
  infections and difficulty speaking and swallowing
  food.
• This disease process rarely shortens a patients
  lifespan.

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Preventing Complications

• Early diagnosis and treatment are important in
  preventing complications.
• The symptoms sometimes overlap with or mimic
  those of other diseases including
  lupusrheumatoid arthritis fibromyalgia chronic
  fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

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Facts about the disease

• Between 1 and 4 million Americans have Sjogrens
  syndrome.
• It occurs 10 times more often in women than in
  men.
• Onset can occur at any age but usually between
  45 and 55 years of age.

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Photographs
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Link

• Sjogren Syndrome