Sjögren syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized mainly by the presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. Patients also may experience inflammation of the joints, muscles, nerves, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, lymph nodes, or any other organ of the body, as well as fatigue, disturbed sleep, and memory problems. The etiology and pathophysiology of SS are not well understood, and diagnosis presents a challenge. Although there is no cure, management includes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions with the goal of improving quality of life by treating the sicca and fatigue symptoms.