Dr. Baer advised the audience that a diagnosis of Sjögren’s is tenable if two of the following three features are present:
- Objective evidence of dry eyes and/or dry mouth;
- Evidence of systemic autoimmunity; and/or
- Characteristic salivary gland histopathology or imaging abnormalities.
He cautioned, however, that clinicians should also be sure to exclude mimics and confounders, such as an adverse effect from multiple medications, anticholinergic effects from medications and other diseases that can affect salivary glands (e.g., sarcoidosis, IgG4-related disease, graft vs. host disease).
Dr. Baer concluded his presentation by stating that an accurate diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome is essential for the successful management of the patient. A diagnosis requires multiple tests that must be performed according to published protocols. Dr. Baer also noted that because existing diagnostic tests are imperfect, their results require careful interpretation. Both diagnosis and management require multidisciplinary collaboration.
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kim salley says
November 1, 2018 at 8:52 amThank you all!!!!!
Sue says
November 29, 2018 at 3:25 pmThanks
Arman says
November 30, 2018 at 8:18 pmThank you. informative
DelPoEl says
February 3, 2019 at 2:14 pmI am grateful for this – I saw a Rheumatologist several years ago as I had a variety of symptoms. SS was muted then but all the tests were inconclusive apart from a firm diagnosis of Raynauds.
I’ve managed my symptoms – which did eventually improve somewhat – without medication, but in the last few months they’ve begun to re-occur along with a new problem – an extremely dry mouth which is increasingly making it difficult to speak and eat unless the food is moist.
My eyes are currently OK.
I’m one of those people who tries to avoid taking medicines unless they are absolutely vital to keep me alive, and at present I’m simply chewing gum and drinking water to help my mouth feel more comfortable. I’ve discovered that drinking tea definitely makes the dryness worse.
I think a visit to the doctor is probably needed, but before I get onto the medical treadmill again does anyone have any tips which might help keep my mouth more comfortable.
.