Sjögren’s syndrome: a review of aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management

Abstract

Sjö gren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects many individuals within the community. Despite this, its exact aetiology and pathogenesis is still unclear. Sjö gren's syndrome affects many organ systems in the body. However, for dental practitioners it is important to recognize the many oral and dental manifestations that are associated with the syndrome. In addition to these oral manifestations, this review will discuss the systemic manifestations of Sjö gren's syndrome as well as the current understanding of factors that have a role in its aetiology and pathogenesis. Furthermore, this review will highlight the difficulties and complexities that are inherent in the diagnosis of Sjö gren's syndrome and the important role that dental practitioners can play in the management of its oral manifestations. The effective management of oral manifestations and minimization of oral disease in patients with Sjö gren's syndrome can result in improved quality of life for these patients.Keywords: Sjö gren's syndrome, aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, dental management.Abbreviations and acronyms: HCV = hepatitis C virus; HIV = human immundodeficiency virus; HLA = human leukocyte antigen; IFN = interferon; MHC = major histocompatibility complex; SS = Sjö gren's syndrome; TNF = tumour necrosis factor.

Sjögren's syndrome – an update for dental practitioners

“…21 The presence of these autoantibodies has been linked to increased disease severity and duration, as well as earlier onset of the disease. 22 Finally, the symptom mostly associated with SS, xerostomia, may also influence general well-being. Patients will often report waking up at night, possibly repeatedly because of dry mouth, which consequently may result in a poor sleep pattern and onward impact in terms of fatigue and quality of life.…”

The importance of minor salivary gland biopsy in sjögren syndrome diagnosis and the clinicopathological correlation

“…SS is a significant disease that is more commonly seen in females (F/m: 9/1) and in the 4th and 5th decades (4,9,11,13). Females made up 93% of the cases in our study and the mean age was 53 years.…”

Oral Aspects of Sjögren’s Syndrome

“…The most serious complication of SS could be accepted as the increased incidence of malignant lymphoma (26). This fhenemenon was first reported in patients with SS in 1963 (26) and has been shown to be 44 times higher than the general population in some studies (27). Additionally, multiple case reports supported the association of lymphoma with Sjögren syndrome and stressed lymphoma as the major complication in the progression of the disease (28,29 and kidney stones and/or renal calcification (approximately 10% of all SS cases) are the most important renal complications of the disease.…”