World Sjögren's Day - July 23, 2023
Today is World Sjögren's Day, a time when the Sjögren's Foundation and other organizations join together to spread awareness about this disease and serve as a global platform to educate, advocate, and unite individuals in the fight against this chronic autoimmune disease.
As a trusted supplier of wireless vital sign monitors for hospitals, we are committed to shedding light on Sjögren's syndrome and providing resources for healthcare professionals. Join us as we delve into the significance of World Sjögren's Day and explore key aspects of this condition.
History of World Sjögren's Day
The first person credited with describing Sjögren’s Syndrome was Jan Mikulicz-Radecki. In 1892, he described a 42-year-old man with enlargement of the parotid and lacrimal glands associated with a round-cell infiltrate and acinar atrophy. But these criteria often led to the disease being mistaken for Mikulicz’s syndrome. Nevertheless, this term is still sometimes used to describe the appearance of lymphocytic infiltrates on salivary-gland biopsies.
Henrik Sjögren was born on July 23, 1899, in Koping, Sweden, and graduated from the Karolinska Institute of Medicine in 1927. In 1929 Dr. Sjögren met a patient who complained about having dry eyes, a dry mouth, and joint pain. While many of these symptoms were already well known, it was the combination of them that seemed odd to him, and he decided to investigate. In 1933, he published his doctoral thesis describing 19 females, most of whom were postmenopausal and had arthritis, showing clinical and pathological manifestations of the syndrome. His thesis was not well received at first, as the Board of Examiners criticized some clinical aspects.
After extensive research and data collection, Sjögren published an essential paper in 1951, describing 80 patients with dry eyes, 50 of whom also had arthritis. He called the disease ‘keratoconjunctivitis sicca,’ and it began to be called Sjögren’s Syndrome in literature. Nowadays, ‘keratoconjunctivitis sicca’ is used as a scientific term for dry eyes. The Sjögren’s Foundation was created by Elaine Harris in 1983. She was a patient diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome who was frustrated by how long it took to identify her symptoms and the lack of information.
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the moisture-producing glands, leading to symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic complications. This condition can also affect other organs and systems, causing fatigue, joint pain, and organ-specific symptoms. It primarily affects women and can occur at any age, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
Prevalence
Sjögren syndrome is far from a rare disorder, with an incidence approaching approximately one-half of that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or affecting 0.5% to 1.0% of the population.
Between 400,000 and 3.1 million adults have Sjögren's syndrome. This condition can affect people of any age, but symptoms usually appear between the ages of 45 and 55. About half of patients also have rheumatoid arthritis or other connective tissue diseases, such as lupus.
Sjogren has been reported worldwide in adults and more rarely in children, and there appears to be no racial or geographic bias in incidence. The disorder, however, has a marked predilection for women, and similar to SLE, the female: male ratio is approximately 9:1. The disease usually presents in middle age but may occur in children as well as the elderly.
As there is no evidence-based standardized screening tool to decide which dry eye patients to refer for Sjogren syndrome workup, there is an underreferral of dry eye patients for Sjogren syndrome workups: hence there is continued underdiagnosis of the disease.
Symptoms
The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are:
- Dry eyes. Your eyes might burn, itch or feel gritty — as if there's sand in them.
- Dry mouth. Your mouth might feel like it's full of cotton, making it difficult to swallow or speak.
Some people with Sjogren's syndrome also have one or more of the following:
- Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
- Swollen salivary glands — particularly the set located behind your jaw and in front of your ears
- Skin rashes or dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Persistent dry cough
- Prolonged fatigue
Causes
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own cells and tissues.
Scientists aren't certain why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome. Certain genes put people at higher risk of the disorder, but it appears that a triggering mechanism — such as infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria — is also necessary.
In Sjogren's syndrome, your immune system first targets the glands that make tears and saliva. But it can also damage other parts of your body, such as:
- Joints
- Thyroid
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Lungs
- Skin
- Nerves
Risk factors
Sjogren's syndrome typically occurs in people with one or more known risk factors, including:
- Age. Sjogren's syndrome is usually diagnosed in people older than 40.
- Sex. Women are much more likely to have Sjogren's syndrome.
- Rheumatic disease. It's common for people who have Sjogren's syndrome also to have a rheumatic disease — such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Complications
The most common complications of Sjogren's syndrome involve your eyes and mouth.
- Dental cavities. Because saliva helps protect the teeth from the bacteria that cause cavities, you're more prone to developing cavities if your mouth is dry.
- Yeast infections. People with Sjogren's syndrome are much more likely to develop oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth.
- Vision problems. Dry eyes can lead to light sensitivity, blurred vision, and corneal damage.
Less common complications might affect:
- Lungs, kidneys, or liver. Inflammation can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, or other problems in your lungs, lead to problems with kidney function, and cause hepatitis or cirrhosis in your liver.
- Lymph nodes. A small percentage of people with Sjogren's syndrome develop cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma).
- Nerves. You might develop numbness, tingling, and burning in your hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Sjögren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms vary from person to person and can be similar to those caused by other diseases. Side effects of a number of medications also mimic some signs and symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. Tests can help rule out other conditions and help pinpoint a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.
Treatment
Treatment for Sjögren's syndrome depends on the parts of the body affected. Many people manage the dry eye and dry mouth of Sjögren's syndrome by using over-the-counter eyedrops and sipping water more frequently. But some people need prescription medications or even surgical procedures. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might suggest medications that:
- Decrease eye inflammation. Prescription eyedrops such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) may be recommended by your eye doctor if you have moderate to severe dry eyes.
- Increase production of saliva. Drugs such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) can increase the production of saliva, and sometimes tears. Side effects can include sweating, abdominal pain, flushing and increased urination.
- Address specific complications. If you develop arthritis symptoms, you might benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other arthritis medications. Yeast infections in the mouth should be treated with antifungal medications.
- Treat systemwide symptoms. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), a drug designed to treat malaria, is often helpful in treating Sjögren's syndrome. Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate (Trexall), also might be prescribed.
- Surgery. A minor procedure to seal the tear ducts that drain tears from your eyes (punctal occlusion) might help relieve your dry eyes. Collagen or silicone plugs are inserted into the ducts to help preserve your tears.
The Power of Awareness
World Sjögren's Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about Sjögren's syndrome and fostering understanding within the medical community and the general public. Increased awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, improved management, and better support for those living with this chronic condition.
Supporting Sjögren's Patients
Education and Advocacy
Educate yourself and others about Sjögren's syndrome by sharing accurate information, resources, and personal stories. Support advocacy efforts by participating in awareness campaigns, fundraising events, or local support groups.
Empathy and Understanding
Show empathy and understanding towards individuals living with Sjögren's syndrome. Validate their experiences, offer support, and create a safe space for open dialogue. Small gestures of kindness and compassion can make a significant difference in their journey.
Collaborative Care
Encourage a multidisciplinary approach to Sjögren's syndrome management. Support healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care by collaborating with rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, dentists, and other specialists to address the diverse symptoms and needs of Sjögren's patients.
Promote Self-Care
Empower individuals with Sjögren's syndrome to practice self-care. Provide tips on managing dry eyes and dry mouth, promoting oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and seeking appropriate medical interventions. Encourage patients to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about their symptoms and concerns.
Research and Support Organizations
Support research initiatives aimed at finding better treatments and improving the quality of life for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome. Contribute to organizations dedicated to supporting Sjögren's patients, funding research, and advocating for increased awareness and resources.
As we commemorate World Sjögren's Day, let us come together to raise awareness, support patients, and advocate for improved understanding and care for those living with Sjögren's syndrome. By increasing knowledge, fostering empathy, and supporting research, we can create a more compassionate and informed society.
Sotera Digital Health stands beside healthcare professionals in their mission to provide optimal care for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome. Together, let's empower patients, promote awareness, and work towards a future where Sjögren's syndrome is better understood and managed. We proudly support World Sjögren's Day and remain committed to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge technology.
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