Recommendations for evaluation and diagnosis of extra-glandular manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome: results of an epidemiologic systematic review/meta-analysis and a consensus guideline from the Brazilian society of rheumatology (hepatic, gastrointestinal and pancreatic).

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs, associated with sicca syndrome but also with systemic involvement with varying degrees of severity. Despite their importance, some systemic manifestations, mainly liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic are not routinely evaluated. To address these manifestations, the Sjögren's Syndrome Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a broad systematic review of the literature on studies investigating prevalence and diagnosis of these symptoms in Sjogren´s patients and made recommendations based on the findings. Agreement between the experts was achieved using the Delphi method. This is the second part of this guideline, providing 6 recommendations for liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic care of SS patients.

Recommendations for evaluation and diagnosis of extra-glandular manifestations of primary sjogren syndrome: results of an epidemiologic systematic review/meta-analysis and a consensus guideline from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (articular, pulmonary and renal).

Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs, associated with sicca syndrome but also with systemic involvement with varying degrees of severity. Despite their importance, these systemic manifestations are not routinely evaluated and there is no homogenous approach to their diagnosis or evaluation. To close this gap, a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the identification of epidemiologic and clinical features of these manifestations and made recommendations based on the findings. Agreement between the experts was achieved using the Delphi method. The first part of this guideline summarizes the most important topics, and 11 recommendations are provided for the articular, pulmonary, and renal care of SS patients.

2021 recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the gynecological and obstetric care of patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs. Women with SS often experience gynecological symptoms due to the disease and need extra care regarding their sexual activity, reproductive health and during pregnancy, conditions that are not properly conducted in the clinical practice. To cover this gap, a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the identification of symptoms, diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and treatment of these manifestations. A Focus Group meeting was held and included experts in the field and methodologists, based on a previously developed script, with themes related to the objective of the study. The most important topics were summarized and 11 recommendations were provided.

Effectiveness and safety of abatacept for the treatment of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the exocrine glands. The disease can be primary or secondary (if it is associated with another autoimmune disease). In Barring symptom management, there is no established treatment. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of abatacept as a treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome over the course of 24 months. Eleven patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome from the Rheumatology Department of Universidade Santo Amaro, Sao Paulo, Brazil were enrolled for a prospective observational study. Eligible participants were diagnosed according to the 2002 American-European consensus criteria and had a score greater than 3 on the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). Participants received intravenous abatacept for 24 months at a weight-adjusted dose of 500 mg for patients weighing < 60 kg and 750 mg for those weighing > 60 kg. The outcomes were ESSDAI activity index, non-stimulated salivary flow rate, ocular dryness (Schirmer test, tear film break-up time, and ocular staining score), SF-36 questionnaire, and Fatigue domain of the FACIT (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy) index. There was a statistically significant reduction in ESSDAI index and improvement of salivary flow. One subscale of the SF-36 index-emotional role functioning-showed improvement. There was no change in ocular parameters or in the FACIT index. In this sample of 11 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, abatacept therapy improved xerostomia and systemic disease activity.Key Points• Abatacept is safe and effective for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome.• Abatacept can improve salivary flow and ESSDAI index in this patient population.

Recommendations from the Brazilian society of rheumatology for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (Part I): glandular manifestations (systematic review).

BACKGROUND: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic immune-mediated disease whose main characteristic is exocrine gland inflammation and, subsequent reduction in tear and saliva production. A delayed diagnosis is common due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations of disease. The aim of the present study was to develop recommendations for the diagnosis of glandular manifestations of pSS based on evidence and expert opinion. We conducted a systematic literature review to retrieve the best evidence available on the accuracy of diagnostic tests for pSS. We also held two in-person meetings with experts (rheumatologists, pathologists, ophthalmologists and dentists) to establish their level of agreement using the Delphi method. Ultimately, we generated 18 recommendations that aim to facilitate the diagnosis of the glandular manifestations of pSS. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of glandular manifestations of pSS is complex and multidisciplinary. It requires specific knowledge in the field of ophthalmology, immunology, pathology and imaging, making it compulsory for the rheumatologist to work with professionals from these different areas in order to improve accuracy and early diagnosis. Glandular dysfunction tests, ANA, RF, Anti-Ro, protein electrophoresis, urinalysis, blood count, C-Reactive protein, complement, testing for syphilis and viruses (HCV, HIV) and SGUS should be investigated when dryness or systemic manifestation are present. Minor salivary gland biopsy is recommended for all anti-Ro negative or incomplete criteria cases.