Management of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Review the clinical manifestations and treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome. DATA SOURCES: Articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library in the past 10 years using the key words "Sjögren," "Sjögren's syndrome," "Sjögren's disease," and "Sjögren's syndrome AND treatment." Primary sources were used to locate additional resources. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Forty-six publications were reviewed and criteria supporting the primary objective were used to identify useful resources. DATA SYNTHESIS: The literature included practice guidelines, review articles, original research articles, and prescribing information for the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome. CONCLUSION: Primary Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations, notably dry eye, dry mouth, fatigue, and inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. Most patients are under the care of a dentist, ophthalmologist, and rheumatologist. There is currently no cure; therapy is tailored for each patient to reduce symptoms, avoid complications, and improve quality of life. Respondents to a recent survey conducted by the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation reported using more than eight medications and treatments for their symptoms; more than 60% of respondents were older than 60 years of age. Pharmacists familiar with recommended treatment options can provide advice and counseling to Sjögren's syndrome patients on multi-drug regimens prescribed by different health care practitioners.