Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, it is believed that the main role is played by genetic predisposition and environmental factors: viruses, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Primary and secondary forms of Sjogren's syndrome affect from 0.2% to 1.2% of the population (50-50). The primary syndrome occurs on its own, and the secondary one occurs when another connective tissue disease is present. Women suffer from this disease about ten times more often than men, and usually begin to get sick in middle age.
Examination before treatment of Sjogren's syndrome abroad
Before the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome abroad, patients undergo a thorough diagnosis to identify individual problems. First of all, a blood test is performed to determine the level of antibodies (antinuclear antibody or rheumatoid factor) associated with autoimmune diseases. The number of all types of blood cells, the presence of inflammatory processes, and the functioning of the liver and kidneys are also checked.
The Schirmer test evaluates the performance of the lacrimal glands. The ophthalmologist checks for damage to the cornea of the eye.
Imaging tests such as a sialogram (X-ray with contrast) and scintigraphy (X-ray with the introduction of a small amount of a radioactive isotope) help to check the function of the salivary glands. If necessary, the doctor can do a lip biopsy to look for inflammatory cells that are a sign of Sjogren's syndrome.
Treatment of Sjogren's syndrome abroad
In clinics abroad, the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome is aimed at reducing the patient's specific symptoms. Medications that have different effects play an important role in therapy.
- Relieve eye inflammation. Products such as Lifitegrast and Cyclosporine help to reduce inflammation and remove dry eyes.
- They increase saliva production. "Cevimelin" and "Pilocarpine" increase the production of saliva, and sometimes tears.
- Eliminate possible complications. If the patient has symptoms of arthritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
- Treatment of systemic symptoms of the disease. The drug Plaquenil, aimed at combating malaria, often helps to stop all the signs of Sjogren. Sometimes medications that reduce the activity of the immune system, such as Trexal, are also prescribed for this purpose.
Surgical treatment of Sjogren's syndrome abroad
To reduce dry eyes, a small surgical procedure is sometimes performed to seal the tear ducts. Also, to minimize the consumption of tear secretions, special plugs made of silicone or collagen are inserted into the channels.
South Korea
China
Türkiye
