Via practica 2/2008

SJÖGREN´S SYNDROME – CLINICAL PICTURE, DIAGNOSIS

Sjögren´s syndrome is a systematic disorder of connective tissues characterised mainly by decreased functioning of exocrine glands. It may occur autonomously as a primary Sjögren’s syndrome or it may be coupled with other inflammatory rheumatic disorders as a secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. Xerostomy and keratoconjuctivitis sicca dominates the clinical picture, however the glands in gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, skin and vaginal mucosa may be affected as well. The most common extraglandular symptoms of the primary Sjögren’s syndrome are skin vasculitis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, functional renal abnormalities, neuropathy and arthritis. Diagnosis of the primary Sjögren’s syndrome is based on proven keratoconjunctivitis sicca, examination of salivary glands and evidence of typical antibody activities. There were developed more diagnostic criteria for Sjögren´s syndrome during past five decades. Recent of them were created according to the consensus of American and European criteria.

Keywords: Sjögren´s syndrome, keratoconjuctivitis sicca, xerostomy, diagnostic criteria.