| Contents | Previous | Next |
Adenopathy Swelling of lymph nodes (glands). In Sjögren’ syndrome, this usually occurs in the neck and jaw region.
Antigen(s) A substance that induces the formation of antibodies. This antigen-antibody reaction forms the basis of immunity.
Apoptosis A form of programmed cell death, in which the cell and its DNA both fragment.
Autoimmunity Autoimmune disease is a state where the body inappropriately produces antibody against its own tissues. In autoimmunity, the antigens (see above) are components of one's own body.
Connective Tissue Disease A disorder marked by inflammation of the connective tissue (joints, skin, muscles) in multiple areas. In most instances, connective tissues diseases are associated with autoimmunity. Fifty percent of Sjögren's patients have connective tissue disorders.
Corticosteroids (syn. Steroids, Cortisone) Natural adrenal gland hormones that have powerful anti-inflammatory activity and are often used in the treatment of severe inflammation affecting vital organs. The multiple side effects of corticosteroids should markedly curtail their use in mild disorders.
Erythema A medical term for a red color usually associated with increased blood flow to an inflamed area, often the skin.
Fibrosing Alveolitis (syn. Pulmonary Fibrosis) Thickening and stiffening of lung tissue caused by inflammation in areas of the lung.
Immunoglobulins (syn. Gamma Globulins) The protein fraction of serum responsible for antibody activity. Measurement of serum immunoglobulin levels can serve as a guide to disease activity in some patients with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Immunosuppressive Agents (Drugs) A class of drugs that interfere with the function of cells that compose the immune system (see Iymphocytes). Corticosteroids are immunosuppressive. Drugs used in the chemotherapy of malignant disease and in the prevention of transplant rejection are generally immunosuppressive and occasionally are used to treat severe autoimmune disease.
Interstitial Nephritis Inflammation of the connective tissue of the kidney usually resulting in mild kidney disease characterized by frequent urination. Interstitial nephritis may be associated with Sjögren's syndrome.
Lymphoma A severe proliferation (increase) in abnormal (malignant) lymphocytes manifested as cancer of the lymph glands. Although exceedingly rare, lymphoma may occur as a complication of severe Sjögren’s syndrome.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) Chemical derivatives of aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) that generally cause less side effects (heartburn), contain no cortisone, and are used to treat joint pains that occur in rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue disorders. Examples are ibuprofen (Motrin) indomethacin (Indocin), sulindac (Clinoril) and prioxicam (Feldene).
Petechia A small, pinpoint, non-raised perfectly round, purplish red spot caused by intradermal or submucosal hemorrhaging, that later turns blue or yellow.
Polymyositis A connective tissue disorder characterized by muscle pain and weakness secondary to inflammation.
Purpura A condition characterized by the presence of confluent (running together) petechiae or confluent ecchymosis over any part of the body.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon Painful blanching of the fingertips on exposure to cold. This may be seen alone, or in association with a connective tissue disease.
Salicylates Aspirin-like drugs (see non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs above).
Scleroderma A connective tissue disorder characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin. Sometimes internal organs (intestines, kidneys) are affected, causing bowel irregularity and high blood pressure.
Scleroderma A connective tissue disorder characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin. Sometimes internal organs (intestines, kidneys) are affected, causing bowel irregularity and high blood pressure.
Sjögren's Syndrome A symptom complex of dry eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes associated with inflammation in the salivary glands. It can occur alone (50%) or in association with a connective tissue disease.
Sjögren’s Antibodies Abnormal antibodies found in the sera (blood) of Sjögren’s patients. These antibodies (Anti-SS-A/Ro and Anti-SS-B-/LA) can be helpful in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s.
Systemic Any process that involves multiple organ systems throughout the body.
Artificial Tears The mainstay of the treatment of dry eye is tear supplementation. Various types of over-the-counter (OTC) preparations are available.
Conjunctiva The membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the anterior portion of the eyeball.
Cornea A clear “watch crystal” like structure covering the pupil and iris (colored portion of the eye). Composed of a number of vital layers, all of which are functionally important. The surface layer or epithelium is covered by tears that lubricate and protect the surface.
Fluorescein Stain A dye used to test for dry eye. This dye stains areas of the eye surface in which cells have been lost.
KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) Also referred to as dry eye. If associated with either a dry mouth or rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is then referred to as Sjögren's syndrome. Patients frequently complain of burning, irritation or a dry, “gritty” sensation.
Lacrimal Glands Two types of glands produce the essential fluid. Smaller (accessory) glands are found in the eyelid tissue and produce “minute to minute” tear needs. Large amounts of tears can be produced by the main lacrimal glands located inside the bony tissue surrounding the eye.
Meibomian Glands Fat producing glands found in the eyelids that produce an essential component of tears.
Mucolytic Agents Medication that tends to dissolve mucous. Dry eye patients with excess mucous discharge may benefit from use if other tear film enhancing drops are less than adequately effective.
Puncta Small openings in the eyelids that normally drain tears. Patients with severe dry eye may benefit from punctal closure that allows maximal tear preservation.
Rose Begal Staining Rose bengal is a dye that stains abnormal or sick cells on the surface of the eye. This diagnostic dye allows the ophthalmologist to follow the treatment of dry eye.
Schirmer Test The standard objective test to diagnose dry eye. Small pieces of filter paper are placed between the lower eyelid and the eyeball and soak tears for five minutes. The value obtained is a rough estimation of tear production in relative terms. Lower values are consistent with dry eye. It is important to emphasize that no single test can be considered diagnostic unless the condition is severe.
Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing. In Sjögren’s syndrome, this may be due to several causes: decreased saliva, infiltration of the glands at the esophageal mucosa, esophageal webbing and abnormal webbing.
Ecchymosis A purplish patch caused by oozing of blood into the skin; ecchymoses differ from petechia only in size.
Epistaxis Nosebleed, hemorrhaging from the nose, that may be caused by dryness to the nasal mucous membrane in Sjögren's syndrome.
Esophagus A tube or connection with muscular walls allowing passage of food from the pharynx (end of the mouth) to the stomach.
Lip biopsy Incision of approximately two (2) centimeters on the inside surface of the lower lip and excision of some of the minor salivary glands for microscopic examination and analysis.
Otitis Inflammation of the ear, that may be marked by pain, fever, abnormalities of hearing, deafness, tinnitus and vertigo. In Sjögren’s syndrome, blockage at Eustachian tubes due to infection can lead to conduction deafness and chronic otitis.
Palate Biopsy A punch biopsy near the junction of the hard and soft palates to sample the minor salivary glands in that region.
Parotid Gland Flow An empirical, quantitative measure of the amount of saliva produced over a certain period of time. Normal parotid gland flow rate is 1.5ml/min. In Sjögren’s syndrome, flow rate is approximately 0.5ml/min. with diminution of flow rate correlating inversely with severity of disease.
Radionuclide Studies The technique where radioactive substances such as human serum albumin is injected into an organ. A gamma scintillation camera coupled with a digital computer system and cathode ray display can read the radioactive emissions. Areas of perfusion will show marked radiographic emissions, areas of obstruction will show no activity.
Sialography Demonstration of the salivary ducts by means of the injection of substances opaque to x-rays. Radiologically sensitive dye is placed into the duct system serving to outline the ductal system clearly.
Xerostomia Dryness of the mouth caused by the arresting of normal salivary secretion; occurs in diabetes, drug therapy, radiation therapy, etc.
Source: Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc.