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What is Sjogren's Syndrome? Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being
done?
What is Sjogren's
Syndrome? Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune
cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. Sjogren's
syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid
arthritis. The hallmark symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes. In
addition, Sjogren'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.
Is there any treatment? There is
no known cure for Sjogren's syndrome nor is there a specific treatment to
restore gland secretion. Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive.
Moisture replacement therapies may ease the symptoms of dryness. Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. For
individuals with severe complications, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive
drugs may be prescribed.
What is the prognosis? Sjogren's
can damage vital organs of the body with symptoms that may plateau, worsen, or
go into remission. Some people may experience only the mild symptoms of dry eyes
and mouth, while others go through cycles of good health followed by severe
disease. Many patients are able to treat problems symptomatically. Others are
forced to cope with blurred vision, constant eye discomfort, recurrent mouth
infections, swollen parotid glands, hoarseness, and difficulty in swallowing and
eating. Debilitating fatigue and joint pain can seriously impair quality of
life.
What research is being
done? The goals of research on disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome focus
on increasing knowledge and under-standing of the disorder, improving diagnostic
techniques, and finding ways to treat, prevent, and cure the disorder.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking
patients.
Organizations
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel:
203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291
National Eye Institute (NEI) National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 6A32 Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 2020@b31.nei.nih.gov http://www.nei.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-5248
Professionals 800-869-2020
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS) National Institutes of Health Bldg. 31, Rm. 4C05
Bethesda, MD 20892-2350 NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov http://www.nih.gov/niams Tel:
301-496-8188 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
(NIDCR) National Institutes of Health Bldg. 45, Rm. 4AS19
Bethesda, MD 20892-6400 nidrinfo@od31.nidr.nih.gov http://www.nidr.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-4261
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation 8120 Woodmont Ave. Suite 530
Bethesda, MD 20814-1437 tms@sjogrens.org http://www.sjogrens.org Tel: 301-718-0300
800-4-SJOGREN (475-6473) Fax: 301-718-0322
Page forms part of www.apls.tk, the information site on ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APS or ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APLS))
Medical Keywords: systemic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, Antiphospholipid, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, APS, APLS, Hughes
Syndrome, Sticky Blood, Clotting Disorder, Stroke, TIA, PE, death, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, APS, APLS,
Hughes Syndrome, Sticky Blood, Clotting Disorder, Stroke, TIA, PE, death
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