[Epidemiology and manifestations of Sjögren's disease].

Abstract

While the name of Sjögren's syndrome was recently changed to Sjögren's disease (SjD), the picture of a systemic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the exocrine glands and subsequent dryness has remained unchanged since the first description. This includes a pronounced B‑cell activity with an increased risk of lymphoma, frequent fatigue and arthralgia and relevant organ involvement in some patients. The prevalence in Germany is estimated to be around 7:10,000, slightly higher than for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Women are affected roughly ten times more often than men. The classification criteria are based on antibodies against Ro/SS‑A antigens or a salivary gland biopsy, supplemented by the objective proof of dryness. In view of the now well-established and typical sonographic findings, they could be supplemented by sonographic parameters.