News

Production of Myd88, a protein associated with autoimmune diseases, in distinct types of cells mediates different characteristics of primary Sjögren’s syndrome, a study in mouse models of this disease reported.  These findings have implications for targeted therapies, as Myd88 activation may be protective in certain cell types and organs,…

Most patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome experience gastrointestinal problems but have no recommended treatments available due to lack of information about the underlying causes, a pilot study reports. Future studies will be needed to identify these causes and to explore the possible relationship between these symptoms and other conditions,…

The amount of a protein called ATG5 in tears may pinpoint people whose dry eye symptoms are related to Sjögren’s syndrome with greater accuracy than standard diagnostic tests, a study has found. However, ATG5’s potential as a biomarker of the disorder should be investigated further, the researchers said. The…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted and granted priority review to an application for Esbriet (pirfenidone) as a treatment for unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (UILD). The supplemental new drug application was submitted by Genentech, Esbriet’s developer and a member of the Roche Group, based on…

Tocilizumab, a medicine approved for certain types of arthritis, may be a safe and effective approach for treating severe respiratory distress associated with COVID-19 in people with autoimmune conditions, the case of an elderly Sjögren’s syndrome patient suggests. The report, “…

Use of oral pilocarpine increased salivary flow in people with dry mouth due to primary Sjögren’s syndrome or other health conditions in a small study. However, the medication did not significantly alter dental health or the structure of the salivary glands, as assessed via ultrasound. The study, “…

An international trial is recruiting people with Sjögren’s syndrome to investigate the feasibility of an online app, called Sjogo, that’s designed to support the self-management of symptoms. Recruitment is primarily being done via Twitter, the American microblogging and social networking service. The Sjogo app…

The Sjögren’s Foundation is recommending that people with Sjögren’s syndrome ages 16 and older be vaccinated against  COVID-19 infection, and advices patients to talk with their healthcare provider about potential decisions and vaccination timing. The recommendation, released online in a statement, was based on safety and effectiveness…

In-hospital mortality, the length of a hospital stay, and hospitalization charges for people with acute kidney injury and Sjögren’s syndrome are no different from those without Sjögren’s, a large-scale database analysis found.  An interesting finding of the analysis was…

A technique that delivers low electric currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain can safely reduce fatigue in people with primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS), a pilot study has found.  Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) also helped patients in the areas of…