Sjorgen's Syndrome
Sjorgen’s syndrome is a condition where there is autoimmune destruction of the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva, so causing dry eyes (called kerato-conjunctiva sicca, and dry mouth, xerostomia - together called sicca syndrome). It most commonly occurs in association with other autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis, but it can arise in isolation. Rarely it is complicated by the development of other autoimmune disorders such as a vasculitis. There are a number of circulating autoantibodies, particularly those directed against components of cell nuclei and those associated with rheumatoid disease. The treatment is aimed at replacing the lubricating fluid using false tears and saliva. Immunosuppressants treatment is rarely indicated in the absence of life-threatening complications from other autoimmune disorders.
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