Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. Sjögren's syndrome is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The hallmark symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes. In addition, Sjogren's syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness, and may affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and brain.Sjögren's syndrome affects 1-4 million people in the United States. Most people are more than 40 years old at the time of diagnosis. Women are 9 times more likely to have Sjögren's syndrome than men. There is no known cure for Sjögren's syndrome nor is there a specific treatment to restore gland secretion. Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive. Moisture replacement therapies may ease the symptoms of dryness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat musculoskeletal symptoms. For individuals with severe complications, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed. Sjögren's syndrome can damage vital organs of the body with symptoms that may remain stable, worsen, or go into remission. Some people may experience only the mild symptoms of dry eyes and mouth, while others go through cycles of good health followed by severe disease. Many patients are able to treat problems symptomatically. Others are forced to cope with blurred vision, constant eye discomfort, recurrent mouth infections, swollen parotid glands, hoarseness, and difficulty in swallowing and eating. Debilitating fatigue and joint pain can seriously impair quality of life. The goals of research on disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome focus on increasing knowledge and understanding of the disorder, improving diagnostic techniques, testing interventions, and finding ways to treat, prevent, and cure the disease. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=sjogren's+syndrome[majr]+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]+AND+(review[ptyp]+OR+review+literature[mh]+OR+practice+guideline[ptyp]+OR+guideline[ptyp]+OR+clinical+trials[mh]+OR+clinical+trial[ptyp]+OR+consumerj[sb])&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sjogrenssyndrome.html 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/sjogrens/pubs_sjogrens.htm /disorders/sjogrens/xml_sjogrens.xml xml_sjogrens.xml V91 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

55 Kenosia Avenue

Danbury CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) 203-798-2291 Federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. V644 National Eye Institute (NEI)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

31 Center Drive, Rm. 6A32 MSC 2510 Bethesda MD 20892-2510 2020@nei.nih.gov http://www.nei.nih.gov 301-496-5248 V635 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

31 Center Dr., Rm. 4C02 MSC 2350 Bethesda MD 20892-2350 NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov http://www.niams.nih.gov 301-496-8190 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) V660 National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

National Institutes of Health, DHHS

31 Center Drive, Room 5B-55 Bethesda MD 20892 nidcrinfo@mail.nih.gov http://www.nidcr.nih.gov 301-496-4261 V296 Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation

6707 Democracy Blvd.

Suite 325 Bethesda MD 20817 tms@sjogrens.org http://www.sjogrens.org 800-4-SJOGREN (475-6473) 301-530-4415 National nonprofit organization of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers dedicated to support, education, and the stimulation of research toward better treatments and a cure for Sjogren's syndrome. V706 Arthritis Foundation

P.O. Box 7669

Atlanta GA 30357 help@arthritis.org http://www.arthritis.org 800-283-7800 404-872-7100 404-965-7888 404-872-0457 Volunteer-driven organization that works to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Offers free brochures on various types of arthritis, treatment options, and management of daily activities when affected.