What is Sjogren's Syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic, slowly progressive, inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by the infiltration of specialized cells of the immune system called lymphocytes (T-cells in the majority of cases), monocytes, and plasma cells into the parotid (salivary) glands and lacrimal (tear) glands. These glands are part of a group of exocrine glands whose secretions pass into a system of ducts that lead ultimately to the exterior of the body. This chronic lymphocytic infiltration interferes with the normal function of these glands and eventually results in a significant reduction or cessation in the production and secretion of saliva and tears. The condition is named after Henry Sjogren, a Swedish ophthalmologist, who first described the primary clinical features of this disorder in 1933.

In approximately 40% of patients, Sjogren's syndrome progresses beyond the exocrine glands and systemic (extraglandular) features develop.

Two distinct forms of Sjogren's syndrome have been recognized:

• Primary Sjogren's syndrome - defined as dry eye and dry mouth that occurs by itself and is not associated with another autoimmune disorder. Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs in approximately 50% of cases according to the Sjogren's Foundation of America.
• Secondary Sjogren's syndrome - characterized by dry eye and dry mouth that occurs in the presence of a major underlying autoimmune connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma.

It has been estimated that up to 4 million Americans are afflicted with Sjogren's syndrome and that 1-2% of the population in the United States has been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome. However, because the disorder may be difficult to diagnose, the incidence of the disease may be considerably higher. Sjogren's syndrome is a condition that affects primarily women with a female to male ratio of about 24:1, meaning that about 95% of people who suffer from Sjogren's syndrome are women. Symptoms of the disorder most often begin between the ages of 40-60, predominantly in peri/post menopausal women, but are also seen in young women in their 20s and 30s. The average age of onset is 52 years old. The overall prevalence of Sjogren's syndrome in the general population has been estimated to range from 0.5% to 3.0%.

Knowledge is Critical when Dealing with a Life-Altering Condition such as Sjogren's Syndrome

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, it's critical to learn everything you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment. That's why we created the Medifocus Guidebook on Sjgoren's Syndrome, a comprehensive 167 page patient Guidebook that contains vital information about Sjogren's syndrome that you won't find anywhere in a single source.

The Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome starts out with a detailed overview of the condition and quickly imparts fundamentally important information about Sjogren's syndrome, including:

• The theories regarding the underlying causes of Sjogren's syndrome, which include:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Cellular apoptosis (self-death of a cell)
  • Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
  • Neurotransmitter abnormality
  • Genetic predisposition

• The classic signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome affecting the oral cavity and the eyes.

• The signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome that affects other areas of the body, known as systemic or extraglandular features of Sjogren's, which may include:

  • Sinus symptoms
  • Cutaneous (skin) symptoms
  • Vasculitis - inflammation of the blood vessels
  • Pulmonary (lung) symptoms
  • Kidney/bladder symptoms
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Gynecological symptoms

• How Sjogren's syndrome is diagnosed based on factors such as signs/symptoms, patient history, physical examination, and examination of the oral cavity and eyes.

• Special laboratory tests that are used to confirm the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome that are designed to measure abnormalities in the production of saliva and tears.

Understanding the Standard Treatments...and the Treatment Options

Currently there is no known cure for Sjogren's syndrome. The major goals of treatment are to control the symptoms and prevent or limit the involvement of other organs of the body. Understanding the standard treatments - and the treatment options - is crucial for successfully achieving the goals of treatment and, thereby, enabling the patient to maintain a reasonably good overall quality of life. As you read through the section of the Guidebook that focuses on the treatments for Sjogren's syndrome, you will specifically learn about:

• The treatment options that are available to better manage the symptoms associated with dry mouth.

• The treatment options that are available to better manage dry eye symptoms.

• The treatment options for the management of patients with Sjogren's syndrome who manifest systemic or extraglandular involvement of other body organs such as the skin, lungs, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, or vagina.

• How to better cope with the extreme fatigue that many patients with Sjogren's syndrome experience.
• The prognosis (outlook) for people with Sjogren's syndrome and the important factors that can have a significant impact on predicting the outcome.
• Important quality of life issues that often confront people with Sjogren's syndrome, including tips and suggestions for how to better cope with the condition.
• The psychological and social impact of Sjogren's syndrome on patients and their families.
• Important questions to ask your doctor about Sjogren's syndrome.

A "One-of-a-Kind" Reference Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome that Goes Way Beyond the Fundamentals

Since 1996, when Medifocus was founded, we've learned that many people with Sjogren's Syndrome are seeking more specific information that goes beyond the fundamentals, such as the causes, diagnosis, standard treatments, and treatment options. That's why we developed a "one-of-a-kind" reference Guidebook that goes way beyond the basics and also includes the following sections:

• A Guide to Recent Medical Literature on Sjogren's Syndrome - This section of the Guidebook contains an extensive bibliography of over 100 references to recently published articles about Sjogren's Syndrome in authoritative, peer-reviewed medical journals with links to the absracts (summaries) of the articles. These articles represent the latest advances in the field and focus on cutting-edge research, new developments, and the lessons learned from recently published studies involving patients with Sjogren's Syndrome. This is the same level of that is used by doctors who treat people with Sjogren's Syndrome to keep abreast of the latest developments and breakthroughs in this specialized field of medicine.

• Centers of Research for Sjogren's Syndrome - We've compiled a unique directory of doctors, hospitals, medical centers, and research institutions with special interest and, in many cases, clinical expertise in managing people with Sjogren's Syndrome. The "Centers of Research" directory is a valuable resource for quickly identifying and locating leading medical authorities and medical institutions both within the United States and other countries who are considered to be at the forefront in clinical research and treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome. You'd have to spend days - or even weeks - attempting to compile your own list of doctors and medical centers but, with the "Centers of Research" directory, the information is already right at your fingertips. All you have to do is act on the information by selecting and contacting the experts or medical institutions listed in the directory by state and country.

• Organizations and Support Groups for Sjogren's Syndrome - The Guidebook also includes a directory of organizations and support groups whose goal is to help people with Sjogren's Syndrome by providing access to information, resources, and services. Many of these organizations can answer your specific questions, enable you to "network" with other patients, and provide guidance in areas such as financial, social, or medical-legal issues. This valuable directory of organizations and support groups includes complete contact information, including phone numbers and E-mail addresses.

Look Inside the Guidebook

The Guidebook is a Value-Added Proposition that Comes with a Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee so that...You have Nothing to Lose and Everything to Gain

Still not sure if you'll benefit from the Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome? Still not convinced that the information included in the Guidebook is worth the minimal cost? If that's the case, then please consider the following value-added proposition that comes standard with your purchase of the Guidebook:

• Free Updates for One Year - Along with your initial purchase of the Guidebook, you also receive free updates for one-full year.

• 20% Discount - For a limited time, you can purchase the Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome at a special 20% discount off the regular list price. Your 20% discount will automatically be applied when you go to "Checkout".

• Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee - Your purchase comes with our RISK-FREE satisfaction guarantee. If, for whatever reason, you are not totally satisfied with the content of your Guidebook, simply contact us within 30-days of your purchase for a prompt, full refund. We are so confident that you will be satisfied with your Guidebook that we offer this RISK-FREE satisfaction guarantee unconditionally - no questions and no hassles.

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