Sjögren's Syndrome in Children: About 15 Cases in Guinea Conakry

Abstract

Objectives- Sjögren's syndrome is difficult to diagnose in the African context. It is rarely reported in children in Black Africa. We report a series of 15 cases of Sjögren’s syndrome in order to clarify the particularities of this condition in children.Methods- This 2-year retrospective study focused on children under 16 years of age with a male predominance who were followed for AS in the rheumatology and pediatrics departments. Patient data were collected and analyzed using STATA/SE version 11.2 software. Anonymity and respect for ethical rules were the norm. There was no link between patients and researchers.Results- The average age of the patients was 11 years with extremes of 5 to 15 years. An anamnesis revealing dry mouth was found in more than half of the cases, i.e. in 10 (66.7%) patients. The clinical examination found oral ulceration and periodontitis in equal proportions, i.e. 6 (40%). The immunological assessment and the biopsy of the accessory salivary glands were used as diagnostic evidence in the 15 patients according to the American-European criteria of 2002.Conclusion- Sjögren's syndrome is a rare entity in pediatrics. It is difficult to diagnose in pediatrics and its severity is linked to the occurrence of visceral and lymphomatous late dry syndrome. Rapid diagnosis and the use of a synthetic antimalarial drug (Hydroxychloroquine) increases the hope of a cure.