Sjogren syndrome

Definition:

A systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by dry mouth, decreased tearing, and other dry mucous membranes and often associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of Sjogren syndrome is unknown. The syndrome occurs most often in women around 50 years old. It is rare in children. Pediatric patients usually present with another autoimmune disorder years before developing the signs of Sjogren syndrome.

Dryness of the eyes and mouth are the most common symptoms of this syndrome; they may occur alone, or with symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis or other connective tissue diseases. There may be an associated enlargement of the salivary glands. Other organs may become affected. The syndrome may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and other diseases. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people.