ERN ReCONNET

Disease Info

Disease: Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS)

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that involves particularly salivary and lachrymal glands. As a consequence, typically, patients complain of ocular and oral dryness and salivary gland swelling. Moreover, skin, nasal and vaginal dryness are quite common as well. In addition to dryness, other frequently reported symptoms are also widespread pain and fatigue. In one third of the patients, Sjögren’s syndrome may also affect other parts of the body, including your joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves. A minority of patients may develop a non Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a complication of the disease. Sjögren’s syndrome mostly occurs in middle-aged women.

The diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome is made on the basis of medical history, physical exam, ocular and oral tests, blood tests, and salivary gland biopsies. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms by using artificial tears, sugar-free candy, drinking water often for a dry mouth or an oral drug called pilocarpine that may improve dryness. Extra glandular symptoms may require immunosuppressive drugs. Novel biological drugs are in the pipeline for the treatment of the disease.

As ERN ReCONNET, we are happy to support our Sjögren’s syndrome patient community by joining the forces to raise awareness together on its World Sjogren’s Awareness Day, July 23rd, two years in a row!

 

Gaetane Nocturne
Disease Coordinator

Ana Vieira
ePAG representative

Patients’ Organisations

Chiara Baldini
Disease Coordinator

Coralie Bouillot
ePAG representative

ERN ReCONNET @ EULAR2023: ePAG's Coraline Bouillot opinion (FRENCH)

ERN ReCONNET @ EULAR2023: ePAG's Coraline Bouillot opinion (ENGLISH)

WEBINARS ON SS ARE FREELY AVAILABLE

Sjögren’s essentials. Dr. Vasco Romao.

The oral component of Sjögren’s disease. Prof. Arjan Vissink.

How to explain Sjögren's syndrome to your family and friends. Prof. Eric Hachulla - ePAGs Ana Vieira and Coralie Bouillot.

ERN ReCONNET publications are available for consultation.

LIST OF USEFUL REFERENCES

 

SS centres in ERN ReCONNET

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