CLEVELAND -- A grant from the National Sjogren’s Syndrome Association has aided in the opening of the Sjogren’s Syndrome Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland. The center, established by the division of rheumatology at University Hospitals of Cleveland and the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in collaboration with the UHC department of medicine, will focus on management of this "drying disease" and help foster improved Sjogren’s research and care.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease in which the salivary and other moisture-producing glands do not properly function. Patients with Sjogren’s suffer from severe dryness of the eyes and mouth and can experience dryness of any organ system that requires moisture. The heart, lungs, GI tract, skin, reproductive organs, genitalia and the nervous system can all become inflamed and dysfunctional. Additionally, Sjogren’s can cause extreme fatigue and chronic pain and either presents alone (primary Sjogren’s) or with other rheumatic diseases (secondary Sjogren’s), such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

"This disease is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed and can affect all ages and races," says Ali Askari, MD, chair of the division of rheumatology and director of the Sjogren’s Syndrome Center. "It is far more prevalent in women than in men, and even though no cure has been found at this time, symptoms of the disease can be treated and controlled."

It is estimated that between two and four million Americans have Sjogren’s syndrome. Because Sjogren’s can affect several areas of the body, patients withstand an average of three to five years without a proper diagnosis.

"Sophisticated tests are needed to make a diagnosis because, in some cases, patients with Sjogren’s have antibodies similar to those in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus," says Dr. Askari. "That is why correct evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome are so important."
           
With the establishment of the Sjogren’s Syndrome Center, patients from Ohio and across the nation will have access to the center’s medical specialists, who are devoted to Sjogren’s care in their respective fields, including: rheumatology, neurology, dentistry, gynecology, gastroenterology, dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, cardiology, pathology, otolaryngology (ENT), pulmonology, neuropsychology and nephrology.

The Sjogren’s Syndrome Center will host patient group talks and special sessions as well as provide medical resources -- including updates on studies -- for people living with Sjogren’s.