bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Sjögren Syndrome
Introduction
Sjögren syndrome is a common Overview of Autoimmune Disorders of Connective Tissue and is characterized by excessive dryness of the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. White blood cells can infiltrate and damage glands that secrete fluids, and sometimes other organs can be damaged. Established criteria may be used to help make the diagnosis, and tests can be done to measure tear and saliva production and assess the presence of abnormal antibodies in the blood. Usually, measures to keep surfaces such as the eyes and mouth moist are sufficient, but sometimeshydroxychloroquineormethotrexateare helpful for problems with the skin or joints. Sometimes, when internal organ damage is severe, corticosteroids or, for certain symptoms,rituximabcan be given. Sjögren syndrome is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, but its cause is not known. It is most common among middle-aged women. Some people with Sjögren syndrome also have other autoimmune disorders, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) , White blood cells infiltrate the glands that secrete fluids, such as the salivary glands in the mouth and the tear glands in the eyes. The white blood cells injure the glands, resulting in a dry mouth and dry eyes—the hallmark symptoms of this syndrome. 