Sjögren introduced the term keratoconjunctivitis sicca for the symptom of dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis). 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. Sjögren clarified that keratoconjunctivitis sicca, resulting from water deficiency, had no relation to xerophthalmia, resulting from vitamin A deficiency. Sjögrens thesis was not well received 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 keratoconjunctivitis sicca, 50 of whom also had arthritis. His subsequent follow-up conference trips pertaining to his paper led to an international interest in Sjögrens syndrome. The term "keratoconjunctivitis sicca" was coined by Sjögren himself and began to be identified as Sjögrens syndrome in literature, although it can now have more general usage. Research
Research into multifactorial autoimmune diseases such as SS focuses on expanding the knowledge surrounding the disorder, improving diagnostic tools and finding ways to prevent, manage and cure the disorder. The United Kingdom Primary Sjögrens Syndrome Registry, a tissue biobank of samples taken for research, supported by the Medical Research Council, UK, was established in 2010. It supports clinical trials and genetic studies of Sjögrens syndrome and is open to those wishing to participate in research studies and to researchers studying the disease.As with other autoimmune diseases, susceptibility to Sjögrens syndrome is greatly influenced by the human leukocyte antigen.
parotid duct) and the amount of saliva that flows into the mouth.For Sjögrens syndrome, sudomotor function through electrochemical skin conductance may help in the diagnosis process.Sjögrens syndrome can be excluded from people with past head and neck radiation therapy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pre-existing lymphoma, sarcoidosis, graft-versus-host disease, and use of anticholinergic drugs. Prevention
No prevention mechanism exists for Sjögrens syndrome (SS) because of its complexity as an autoimmune disorder, but lifestyle changes can reduce the risk factors related to developing SS or reduce the severity of the condition for patients who have already been diagnosed. Diet is strongly associated with the inflammation seen in many autoimmune related diseases, including SS. An experimental study concluded that SS patients often show high sensitivity to gluten that directly relates to inflammation. Moderate exercise is also helpful in SS patients, mainly reducing the effect of lung inflammation. Treatment
Neither a cure nor a specific treatment for Sjögrens syndrome is known to permanently restore gland secretion. Instead, treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive. Eye care
Moisture replacement therapies such as artificial tears may ease the symptoms of dry eyes. Some patients with more severe problems use goggles to increase local humidity or have punctal plugs inserted to help retain tears on the ocular surface for a longer time.Additionally, cyclosporine (Restasis) is available by prescription to treat chronic dry eye by suppressing the inflammation that disrupts tear secretion. Prescription drugs are also available that help to stimulate salivary flow, such as cevimeline (Evoxac) and pilocarpine.