Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease involving both lacrimal and salivary glands. Lymphocytic infiltration and secondary destruction of the exocrine gland tissue leads to sicca symptoms. It is one of the 3 most common autoimmune diseases with a prevalence of 0.03-2.1 %, depending on age and population groups as well as the diagnostic criteria used, and mostly affects women (ca. 10:1) [1-3]. Apart from the characteristic sicca symptoms many patients also suffer from systemic manifestations such as arthralgia or, less frequently, skin vasculitis, interstitial lung disease or kidney involvement. Sicca symptoms are usually treated locally whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are used for complications. Sjogren's syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing a malignant lymphoma. In addition, most patients suffer from severe fatigue [4], which may be the most severe subjective symptom. The prevalence of depressive disorders is increased as well [5]. Even though promising new therapeutic approaches and B-cell-targeted therapies are currently under clinical investigation, the heterogeneity of the disease and its symptoms continues to be challenging for researchers and physicians alike.