Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Study

Sjögren syndrome is chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands. It is an elaborate involvement of the lacrimal and salivary glands, which eventually lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. It may occur in two forms - Primary and secondary, which is associated with another autoimmune disease, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous criteria were proposed for diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. Most widely accepted are American and European group developed international classification criteria for Sjögrens syndrome. These criteria include ocular symptoms, oral symptoms, ocular signs, histopathology, salivary gland involvement and sialography. The classification requires four of the six items, one of which must be positive minor salivary gland biopsy or a positive antibody test. Early diagnosis is important to prevent further complications. The aim of this paper is to emphasis on oral changes, advanced diagnosis, and management of Sjögren's syndrome.