Sjögren’s Syndrome

Abstract The combination of dry eyes and dry mouth that is characteristic of Sjögren’s syndrome may be the result of inflammation of the glands that produce tears and saliva. Children with Sjögren’s syndrome are often sent to the rheumatologist by a dentist who has noted that they have unusually severe cavities or by an ophthalmologist who has noted that their complaints of eye discomfort are due to chronically dry eyes and poor tear production. Most of these children are ANA-positive, and the majority test positive for antibodies to Ro (see below). Other children with Sjögren’s syndrome are sent to the rheumatologist because of Raynaud’s syndrome and a positive ANA or rheumatoid factor.