Sjögren’s syndrome
Published April 16, 2024 | 
( 1999 )
-I am looking for information regarding a connective tissue syndrome. I believe it was named after a Swedish physician — something like Sjoegen’s syndrome? Can you provide me with any information, including proper spelling?-
You’re right. Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren first described a complex of three manifestations — dry eyes without enlarged tear glands, dry mouth and the presence of a connective tissue disorder. It’s known as Sjögren’s (SHOW-grenz) syndrome, Sjögren’s disease or sicca (Latin for “dry”) syndrome. It’s considered one of the autoimmune diseases, in which the body’s immune system attacks some of its own tissues.
Sjögren’s syndrome may occur with less than all three components. It may manifest itself primarily as dry eyes due to deficient production of tears so that the eyes become painful and inflamed. Artificial tears may be of great benefit. Dry mouth associated with Sjögren’s is due to inadequate production of saliva.
The connective tissue disorders that may be associated include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, scleroderma and polymyositis. The presence of one of these conditions may require treatment with steroid medications and other drugs.