Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by focal inflammation of the exocrine glands leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. As well as primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), the glandular features can also be found in association with other rheumatic diseases. About 70% of patients with pSS have anti-Ro and/or anti-La autoantibodies. Hypergammaglobulinaemia is also common and a proportion of patients have systemic involvement. Due to a relative lack of awareness of the condition, it is under-diagnosed and consequently under-treated. Better use of symptomatic therapies can make a big difference to patients and there is also current interest in whether anti-B cell therapy could be effective in treating pSS.