Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic, slowly progressive, autoimmune disorder that attacks and eventually destroys the cells of the salivary glands that produce saliva and the cells of the lacrimal glands that produce tear. The major clinical features of Sjogren's syndrome are the well-recognized "sicca" (dry) symptoms" that are clinically evident by dry eyes and dry mouth. As the disease progresses over time, however, it can also produce so-called "extraglandular manifestations" that reflect damage to other vital body organs such as the kidneys, lungs, joints, and peripheral nerves. The condition is named after Henry Sjogren, a Swedish eye doctor, who first described the syndrome in 1933.

One of the interesting features of Sjogren's syndrome is that, for reasons that are unknown, it affects women disproportionately as compared to men. In fact, about 90% of people who are diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome are women. The condition is considered rare and has been estimated to affect less than 1% of the general adult population. The mean age of diagnosis is around 50 years. A significant number of women who suffer with Sjogren's syndrome also develop a triad of symptoms consisting of dryness, pain, and fatigue that can contribute to a reduced quality of life.

Two distinct types of Sjogren's syndrome have been identified: primary and secondary. Most patients are diagnosed with the primary form of the syndrome defined as dry eyes and dry mouth that occurs in the absence of another underlying autoimmune disorder. Approximately 30% of patients develop secondary Sjogren's syndrome that is associated with another underlying autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.

Despite extensive past and ongoing research, the cause of primary Sjogren's syndrome is not yet completely understood. Currently, researchers believe that the condition occurs as a result of a combination of factors involving autoimmunity, viral infections, and genetic predisposition to the disease.

Sjogren's syndrome is difficult to diagnose in part because patients present with a wide range of symptoms that can overlap with many other diseases and conditions. Since Sjogren's syndrome is a rare disorder, most healthcare providers see only a few cases over many years of practice so that the diagnosis can easily be missed. The diagnostic evaluation for suspected Sjogren's syndrome typically includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, specific tests to measure saliva and tear production, and laboratory studies to detect Sjogren's autoantibodies.

Curently, there is no known cure for Sjogren's syndrome, although a variety of treatment options are available to manage the bothersome symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. The primary goals of treatment include: 1) controlling the symptoms; 2) preventing progression of the disease; and 3) improving quality of life. Finding a healthcare provider who has clinical experience with the diagnosis and management of Sjogren's syndrome is crucial for achieving the goals of treatment.

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.

• PRINTED GUIDEBOOK - Soft-cover book that is available for immediate shipping within the United States and its territories:
  
  
  • Regular List Price = $39.95
  • Less 25% Discount = - $10.00
  • Your Discounted Price = $29.95

• DIGITAL GUIDEBOOK - Available for immediate download as a PDF document:
  
  
  • Regular List Price = $26.60
  • Less 25% Discount = - $6.65
  • Your Discounted Price = $19.95

• Within the United States (toll free): 1-800-965-3002
• Outside the United States: 1-301-649-9300

Updated: January 19, 2023
167 Pages