About Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic, slowly progressive, autoimmune disorder that attacks and eventually destroys the cells of the salivary glands that produce saliva and the cells of the lacrimal glands that produce tear. The major clinical features of Sjogren's syndrome are the well-recognized "sicca" (dry) symptoms" that are clinically evident by dry eyes and dry mouth. As the disease progresses over time, however, it can also produce so-called "extraglandular manifestations" that reflect damage to other vital body organs such as the kidneys, lungs, joints, and peripheral nerves. The condition is named after Henry Sjogren, a Swedish eye doctor, who first described the syndrome in 1933.

One of the interesting features of Sjogren's syndrome is that, for reasons that are unknown, it affects women disproportionately as compared to men. In fact, about 90% of people who are diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome are women. The condition is considered rare and has been estimated to affect less than 1% of the general adult population. The mean age of diagnosis is around 50 years. A significant number of women who suffer with Sjogren's syndrome also develop a triad of symptoms consisting of dryness, pain, and fatigue that can contribute to a reduced quality of life.

Two distinct types of Sjogren's syndrome have been identified: primary and secondary. Most patients are diagnosed with the primary form of the syndrome defined as dry eyes and dry mouth that occurs in the absence of another underlying autoimmune disorder. Approximately 30% of patients develop secondary Sjogren's syndrome that is associated with another underlying autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.

Despite extensive past and ongoing research, the cause of primary Sjogren's syndrome is not yet completely understood. Currently, researchers believe that the condition occurs as a result of a combination of factors involving autoimmunity, viral infections, and genetic predisposition to the disease.

Sjogren's syndrome is difficult to diagnose in part because patients present with a wide range of symptoms that can overlap with many other diseases and conditions. Since Sjogren's syndrome is a rare disorder, most healthcare providers see only a few cases over many years of practice so that the diagnosis can easily be missed. The diagnostic evaluation for suspected Sjogren's syndrome typically includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, specific tests to measure saliva and tear production, and laboratory studies to detect Sjogren's autoantibodies.

Curently, there is no known cure for Sjogren's syndrome, although a variety of treatment options are available to manage the bothersome symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. The primary goals of treatment include: 1) controlling the symptoms; 2) preventing progression of the disease; and 3) improving quality of life. Finding a healthcare provider who has clinical experience with the diagnosis and management of Sjogren's syndrome is crucial for achieving the goals of treatment.


The Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren’s Syndrome is a unique, comprehensive patient education resource that contains vital information about Sjogren’s Syndrome that you won't find anywhere else in a single resource. The Guidebook will answer many of your questions about this condition that your healthcare provider may not have the time to answer. To learn more about the Guidebook, please click here
 

About the Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren’s Syndrome

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, it's important to learn as much as you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

The Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren’s Syndrome is a unique and comprehensive patient education resource that contains vital information about Sjogren’s Syndrome that you won't find anywhere else in a single source. Available both as a Soft-Cover Book and as an E-Book (PDF), the Guidebook will answer many of your questions about Sjogren’s Syndrome, including:

  • The causes and risk factors for Sjogren’s Syndrome.
  • The clinical signs and symptoms.
  • The diagnostic tests and procedures that are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome.
  • The standard treatments and the treatment options currently available for the management of Sjogren’s Syndrome.
  • The impact of Sjogren’s Syndrome on quality of life.
  • The latest clinical and research advances for Sjogren’s Syndrome as reported in credible, trustworthy medical journals.
  • A directory of doctors and medical centers that have special interest and clinical expertise in the management of patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome.
  • A listing of organizations where patients can seek additional information, services, and support.

Whether you've been newly diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome or have suffered with it for several years, the Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren’s Syndrome can serve as a valuable resource to help you better understand and cope with this condition. When you purchase your copy of either the Soft-Cover Book or the E-Book (PDF), you will also receive Free Updates for one-year.

Thousands of satisfied customers have purchased the Medifocus Guidebook on Sjogren’s Syndrome for themselves, a loved one, and even their healthcare provider. Their Testimonials are a tribute to the quality of the work product that our editorial staff has created. With a customer-satisfaction rating of over 98%, we're so confident that you will be satisfied with your purchase that we offer an iron-clad Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee. To learn more about the content, please download a Free Preview of the Guidebook that will enable you to review an abbreviated version of the individual sections.

Testimonials

I wanted to take the time to thank you for our outstanding publication on Sjogren's syndrome. I was highly impressed with the in-depth overview of this condition and the treatment options that are available. As a busy executive with little free time on my hands, I could never have found all of the important information on Sjogren's syndrome that your Guidebook provided. I look forward to reading the updates when they become available.
R.D.R.
Reading, Pennsylvania
My sincere gratitude and appreciation go out to everyone at Medifocus for producing this valuable Guidebook on Sjogren's syndrome. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's 6 years ago and have read a lot about this disorder over the years. Your publication, however, is absolutely the VERY BEST resource I have come across. My husband, who is a physician, also read the Guidebook and was hightly impressed by how thoroughly the information was researched. Keep up the good work!
L.C.
Greensboro, North Carolina
Thanks for a chance to say a few words about your MediFocus Guidebook. When unexplained illness hit me, I didn't know what it was or what to ask my doctor. Then I purchased your Guidebook and that made all the difference. When I arrived with a list of pointed questions, the doctor spent more time with me than before and I felt comfortable understanding the diagnosis and treatment. Thanks for understanding what I was up against... it has helped a lot.
D.S.
Prescott, Arizona
It is great to have serious health issues explained in an easy to understand format. When you are ill, it is overwhelming when you trying to search for information about your illness. Medifocus helps you find the important information regarding your issues and the latest research and discussions by the medical profession. I am enjoying my Guidebook.
E.P.
Ft. Bragg, California
Thanks for the wonderful MediFocus Guidebook. The more familiar I've become with it, the less it scares me to know that I have this condition. It is comforting to know that there is so much research ongoing even though there is not a cure just yet. Many thanks for your Guidebook?one person could never have compiled all of these sources together alone.
J.Y.B.
Jacksonville, Florida
I found the Guidebook very comprehensive and written in a professional and clear style. I would recommend your books to anyone who has a problem and needs to go to a doctor. Trusting your health issues in the hands of a doctor who may or may not be good or professional is no longer acceptable. I found that my father-in-law's doctor does not actually know about many of the studies described in the book even though he is considered to be one of the "specialists" in this domain.
M.S.
Sydney, Australia

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