Description:
Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune
disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes its own moisture-producing glands for foreign invaders. The immune system produces antibodies
that attack and destroy these glands causing the typical symptoms observed in
Sjogren’s patients that include dry mouth (xerostomia), dry eyes
(xeroph-thalmia), enlarged salivary glands, and polyarthritis. This article
discusses Sjogren's in detail, including clinical manifestations, diagnosis and
treatment.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the epidemiology of Sjogren's syndrome
- Describe the etiology of Sjogren’s syndrome
- Identify the clinical manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome
Author(s):
Jessica McHenry
Debra H. Wisenor, BS, MT(ASCP)
George H. Roberts, EdD, MT(AMT)
Launched: 2003