Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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What is it?

Sjögren syndrome is an inflammatory disorder that affects the mucous membranes, causing dry mouth, decreased tear production, and dryness of other body membranes. It usually occurs in women around 50 years old, and the cause is unknown. Sjögren syndrome can occur as a primary disorder or secondarily in association with other well-defined autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), polymyositis (PM), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In Australia involvement of organs such as brain, kidney and lung is uncommon.

Symptoms may include dry and gritty eyes, dry mouth with difficulty chewing and swallowing, decreased sense of taste and smell, joint pain, and swollen glands. There is an increased incidence of lymphoma, particularly of the parotid gland, among patients with this syndrome.

Tests

Tests for Sjögren syndrome may include:

  • Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (positive)
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF) (often positive)
  • Antibodies specific to Sjögren syndrome (SS): anti-SS-A and SS-B; SS-A is also called Ro, while SS-B is also called La (usually positive). These come under the term ENA (extractable nuclear antigens). Most consider these an absolute requirement for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome
  • Polyclonal activation of IgG is commonly seen, i.e. all IgG type immunoglobulins are increased
Treatment

Treatment is based on the symptoms. Dry eyes are treated with artificial tears, a tear stimulant, or eye lubricant. A dry mouth may be helped by frequent small drinks of water or chewing gum to stimulate saliva production. Arthritis symptoms are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, and other NSAIDs, although rarely immune suppressants similar to those used in RA are needed.


Last Review Date: May 1, 2018


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