What symptoms need to be present to DX Sjogrens Syndrome? How is this treated?
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Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
Sicca syndrome is the combination of dry eye syndrome and dry mouth. SJOGREN'S SYNDROME is the combination of dry eye syndrome, dry mouth and arthritis. Approximately 75% of those with Sjogren's Syndrome have accompanying rheumatoid arthritis. Females outnumber males by a ratio of 9:1. In addition to the dry eye and mouth, other mucous membranes are often affected. Common symptoms include: dry skin, scaling skin, dryness of the nose, breathing passages, vagina, and stomach.
The systemic nature of the symptoms is due to an underlying abnormality in the immune system. Sjogren's is considered to be an autoimmune phenomenon, in that the tear producing glands are inflamed and destroyed by the body's own defense mechanisms.
Treatment is directed toward each of the involved body systems. With regard to the eye, ocular lubricants are the primary treatment. When lubricants, alone, are not enough, ophthalmologists can temporarily (or permanently) close the tear ducts that drain tears away from the eye. This keeps the lubricants on the eye longer. Finally, in very severe cases, surgery is done to partially close the eyelid in an attempt to limit evaporation off the surface of the eye and to protect the eye.
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Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
A RICHARD E. GANS, M.D. 11
A A OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic 111
AAAAA xx102@ofcn.org 11
A A A C A D E M Y O N E 1111
http://www.ofcn.org:80/about.ofcn/whois/reg/
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