"Dry oral and ocular manifestations and autoantibodies characteristic of primary Sjögren's syndrome in multiple sclerosis".

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and demyelinating diseases is still not well understood. These diseases seem to coexist amidst autoimmunity, raising questions about clinical characteristics, relationship with immunomodulatory treatment, and possible common immunological background underlying their pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: calculate the frequency of dry oral and ocular manifestations and autoantibodies characteristic of primary Sjögren's Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis. METHODS: 202 patients with multiple sclerosis answered a questionnaire to identify complaints of xerostomia and xerophthalmia, according to diagnostic criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome; 43 answered positively to at least one question; 27 had comorbidities or used drugs that cause dry symptoms and were excluded; 16 patients were selected for examinations for oral, ocular and serum anti-Ro/SS-A autoantibody evaluation. RESULTS: Eleven (68.75%) patients complained of xerostomia; 14 (87.5%) of xerophthalmia. Sialometry < 0.1 ml/min was observed in three (18.8%); 13 patients underwent minor salivary gland biopsy and histopathological examination: focal score > 1 in three (23.1%). Schirmer test was < 5 mm/5 min in four (25%). Lyssamine green/fluorescein dye score was > 5 in three (18.8%). Anti-Ro/SS-A > 10 UI/mm in two (12.5%). Three (1,49%) patients met current criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MS may report xerostomia and/or xerophthalmia even in the absence of comorbidities and use of medications capable of causing these symptoms, which may fulfill the diagnostic criteria for pSS. In this study, the frequency of pSS according to current criteria was within the range observed in the literature with older criteria. But the question remains whether the association between these diseases is fortuitous or whether there is a pathogenic link.

IgG4-related orbital disease. / Enfermedad orbitaria relacionada con Ig-G4.

CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a 64-year-old woman with bilateral palpebral swelling and dacryoadenitis, exophthalmos, and a history of chronic rhinitis and asthma. An increase in serum IgG4 was observed, and an incisional biopsy of lacrimal glands was performed, which showed fibrosis and a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with IgG4 producing cells. DISCUSSION: Orbital involvement in IgG4-related disease is frequent. Bilateral dacryoadenitis is the most common manifestation. Histopathology is essential for the diagnosis and to exclude malignancy.

Clinical features and risk factors of neurological involvement in Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To investigated distinct manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients with neurological complications and the potential risk factors associated with neurological complications in SS, and to produce a disease evaluation and neurological involvement prediction for SS. METHODS: 566 patients who fulfilled the 2002 classification criteria for SS from the Rheumatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were included in the cross-sectional study. Clinical, immunological and histological characteristics were surveyed, and potential risk factors for neurological complications were examined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 566 SS patients, 184 (32.5%) patients had neurological involvement, with more than 10% got limbs pain, limbs numbness and cerebral infarction, respectively. Of these 184 SS patients with neurological complications, secondary SS (sSS) patients had a higher prevalence of peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement than primary SS (pSS) patients (31.1 vs. 19%). And sSS patients showed higher total ESSPRI score and higher prevalence of xerostomia and low C3, C4 levels with more liver, articular involvement and saliva gland atrophy, and more severe lymphocyte infiltration in salivary glands than pSS patients. As for the specific factors associated with neurological involvement, low C3 level were found to be significant in pSS or sSS patients who were younger 50 year old, and ANA positivity, cardiac involvement, saliva gland atrophy were demonstrated to be associated in elder pSS patients. And xerophthalmia was found to be associated in sSS patients. CONCLUSION: Low complement (C3) levels, xerophthalmia, ANA positive, cardiac involvement and labial salivary gland histological result were good ways to predict neurological complications in different subgroups of SS, which might provide insight into better clinical decision-making, especially at early stages of the disease.

Exposure keratopathy: Incidence, risk factors and impact of protocolised care on exposure keratopathy in critically ill adults.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the rate of exposure keratopathy (EK) in critically ill patients, identify risk factors for developing EK and ascertain the effectiveness of a protocol to prevent EK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We undertook a two-phase prospective cohort study in a general adult ICU with first-phase being observational and an eye care protocol was introduced in the second-phase. Daily ophthalmic assessment was carried out along with recording of various risk factors. RESULTS: We studied 371 patients. In the first phase, the overall rate of EK was 21% but the rate in mechanically ventilated patients was 56%; χ2 (1, N=257)=80.8, p<0.001. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for development of EK was 28.6 (8.19-43.37), 13.0 (3.16-54.38) and 1.2 (1.03-1.33) with incomplete eye closure, mechanical ventilation, and higher sequential organ failure assessment score respectively. Following the introduction of the protocol, the overall rate of EK reduced to 2.6% (3 cases); χ2 (1, N=371)=18.6, p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: EK is common in critically ill patients and a simple protocol substantially reduces the incidence of EK and is easily achieved in clinical practice.

The relief of dry eye signs and symptoms using a combination of lubricants, lid hygiene and ocular nutraceuticals / Alivio de los síntomas y signos del ojo seco con el uso de una combinación de lubricantes, productos para higiene palpebral y nutracéuticos oculares

Purpose: To determine the combined effect of TheraTears® Lubricant Eye Drops, TheraTears® SteriLid Eyelid Cleanser, and TheraTears® Nutrition on dry eye signs and symptoms. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 28 dry eye participants. Participants were instructed to use the Lubricant Eye Drops at least 2-4✕ a day, SteriLid 1-2✕ a day, and Nutrition 3 gel caps once a day. Participants were followed up at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Outcome variables were the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), osmolarity, number of meibomian glands blocked (#MG blocked), meibum quality, eyelid margin features, Schirmer’s test, tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), meniscus height, corneal and conjunctival staining. Results: Twenty participants (mean age = 43, from 23 to 66, 17F, 3M) completed the study. Participants reported having used, on average, the Lubricant Eye Drop 2.4✕/day, the SteriLid 1.1✕/day, and the Nutrition 3 gel caps 1✕/day. There was a significant change over time (p < 0.05) for OSDI (−21.2 points), SANDE (−32.4 points), NIBUT (+0.43 s), eyelid margin features (−1.1 grade), meibum quality (−1.0 grade), and #MG blocked (−4.0 glands). Conclusion: By using a combination of TheraTears® Lubricant Eye Drop, SteriLid, and Nutrition, patients experience significant relief in both dry eye symptoms and signs (AU)

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto combinado de las gotas lubricantes TheraTears®, el limpiador palpebral TheraTears® SteriLid, y TheraTears® Nutrition sobre los signos y síntomas del ojo seco. Métodos: Este estudio prospectivo incluyó a veintiocho participantes con ojo seco, a quienes se solicitó que utilizaran las gotas lubricantes al menos 2-4 veces al día, SteriLid 1-2 veces al día, y las cápsulas Nutrition 3 gel una vez al día. Se realizó un seguimiento al inicio, al cabo de un mes, y a los tres meses. Las variables de los resultados fueron OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index), el cuestionario SANDE (Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye), NIBUT (non-invasive tear break-up time), la osmolaridad, el número de glándulas de Meibomio bloqueadas (#MG bloqueadas), la calidad de la secreción de las glándulas de meibomio, las características del margen palpebral, la prueba de Schirmer, LLT (grosor de la capa lipídica) de la película lagrimal, altura del menisco, y tinción de la córnea y la conjuntiva. Resultados: Veinte participantes (edad media = 43, de 23 a 66, 17M, 3V) completaron el estudio. Los participantes reportaron que habían utilizado, de media, las gotas lubricantes 2,4 veces/día, SteriLid 1,1 veces/día, y las cápsulas Nutrition 3 gel 1 veces/día. No se produjo u cambio significativo a lo largo del tiempo (p < 0,05) en cuanto a OSDI (-21,2 puntos), SANDE (-32,4 puntos), NIBUT (+0,43s), características del margen palpebral (-1,1 grado), calidad de la secreción de las glándulas de meibomio (-1,0 grado), y #MG bloqueadas (-4,0 glándulas). Conclusión: Con el uso de una combinación de gotas lubricantes, SteriLid, y Nutrition, de TheraTears®, los pacientes experimentan un alivio significativo de los síntomas y signos del ojo seco (AU)

Self versus examiner administration of the Ocular Surface Disease Index(C) / Comparación entre la administración auto-guiada y guiada por un examinador, de la prueba "Ocular Surface Disease Index(C)"

Purpose: To compare the difference in Ocular Surface Disease Index(C) (OSDI) scores when participants were given the OSDI to complete on their own (self-guided, SG), versus under the guidance of the examiner (examiner-guided, EG). Methods: 100 participants enrolled in this prospective two-visit study (fifty under-45 years old, 38F/12M; and fifty 45 years-and-older, 42F/8M). Participants who scored ≥1 on the Subjective Evaluation of Symptoms of Dryness (SESoD) were included in this study. Participants completed the OSDI SG during the first visit. Participants returned the next day and repeated the OSDI, but with EG (with standardized instructions). Participants were under deception and believed that they were comparing the OSDI to the SESoD. Results: The mean OSDI score of the SG and EG administration was 32.0 ± 17.3 and 33.8 ± 19.6 respectively (p > 0.05) with 95% limits of agreement between −20.6 and +24.2. The correlation between SG and EG administration was Spearman’s r = 0.81, p < 0.01. The mean difference between SG and EG was not significant (p > 0.05) for both the under-45 group, and 45-and-older group. The 95% limits of agreement for the under-45 group were smaller than the 45-and-older group (under-45: [−15.5, +13.1,], 45-and-older: [−23.3, +32.2]). A significant difference was found between 8 of the 12 questions items (all p ≤ 0.01). However, the mean difference for each was <0.6 and was not considered to be clinically significant. Conclusion: There was no clinically significant difference in OSDI score between SG and EG administration, however having instructions provided with EG administration affected variability of scores in the older group more than the younger group (AU)

Objetivo: Comparar la diferencia de las puntuaciones de la prueba Ocular Surface Disease Index© (OSDI) cuando a los participantes se les solicitó que completaran dicha prueba por sí mismos (auto-guiado - SG), y cuando la prueba fue guiada por un examinador (EG). Métodos: Se seleccionó a 100 participantes en este estudio prospectivo de dos visitas (cincuenta menores de 45 años, 38F/12V, y cincuenta mayores de 45 años, 42F/8V). Se incluyó en el estudio a aquellos participantes con una puntuación ≥1 en la prueba de evaluación subjetiva de los síntomas del ojo seco (SESoD). Los participantes completaron el test OSDI SG durante la primera visita. Al día siguiente regresaron y repitieron el OSDI, pero con un EG (instrucciones estandarizadas). Se les sometió a engaño, y creyeron que estaban comparando el OSDI con el SESoD. Resultados: La puntuación media de la prueba OSDI para las intervenciones SG y EG fue de 32,0 ± 17,3 y 33,8 ± 19,6 respectivamente (p > 0,05), con un 95% de límite de acuerdo entre -20,6 y +24,2. La correlación entre las intervenciones SG y EG, utilizando el coeficiente de Spearman, fue de r = 0,81, p < 0,01. La diferencia media entre SG y EG no fue significativa (p > 0,05) para ambos grupos de edad. El 95% de límite de concordancia para el grupo de menores de 45 años [−15,5,+13,1] fue menor que para el grupo de mayores de 45 años [−23,3,+32,2]). Se encontró una diferencia significativa en 8 de las 12 cuestiones (en todos ellos, p≤0,01). Sin embargo, la diferencia media para cada uno de ellos fue <0,6, por lo que no se consideró clínicamente relevante. Conclusión: No se produjo una diferencia clínicamente significativa entre las puntuaciones de la prueba OSDI entre las intervenciones SG y EG, aunque el disponer de instrucciones aportadas por el administrador EG afectó en mayor medida a la variabilidad de las puntuaciones del grupo de mayores de 45 años en comparación al grupo de menores de dicha edad (AU)

Respuesta a: Síndrome de Sjögren y halitosis: descripción de un caso clínico / Response to: Sjögren's syndrome and halitosis: a case report

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Aspectos relevantes da síndrome de Sjõgren para o cirurgião-dentista / Sjogren’s syndrome’s relevant aspects for the dental surgeon

A síndrome de Sjõgren (SS), conhecida como síndrome sicca, é uma doença autoimune caracterizada pela hipofunção das glândulas salivares e lacrimais, cuja prevalência na população mundial é de aproximadamente 0,5% a 1%. Por ser uma doença autoimune complexa e de difícil diagnóstico, é sub-diagnosticada e sub-tratada segundo o consenso realizado em 2012 pelo Colégio Americano de Reumatologia (ACR). O Cirurgião-Dentista pode desempenhar papel importante na detecção de possíveis alterações compatíveis com a síndrome, além de auxiliar no tratamento de diversas patologias orais decorrentes da síndrome. Este trabalho tem como objetivo explanar aspectos importantes referentes ao diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome aqui discutida. A SS apesar de ser considerada uma doença de evolução lenta, em estágios avançados pode ser fatal, principalmente por aumentar as chances dos pacientes virem a desenvolver linfoma não Hodking. O tratamento odontológico dos pacientes com SS deve principalmente ser profilático, com a recomendação do uso de repositores de saliva e controle rígido da higiene bucal.

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS), known as the sicca syndrome, is an autoimmune disease characterized by salivary and lacrimal glands hypofunction which prevalence in the world population is approximatel y around 0,5% to 1%. For being a complex autoimmune disease and with difficult diagnosis, it is sub diagnosed and miss treated according to the consensus occurred in 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The surgeon-dentist (SD) may play a important role on the detection of possible changes compatible to the syndrome, besides can help in the treatment of many oral pathologies caused by the syndrome. This work has the main purpose to explain the important aspects regards to the correct diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome.The SS besides been considered a slow evolution disease, in advanced stages it can be fatal,mainly for increasing the patient’s chances of developing non-Hodking lymphoma. The dental treatment of patients with SS must be prophylactic, with the recomedations of the use of salivary replenishing and careful control of the oral hyigiene.

[Progression of treatment and researches in dry age related macular degeneration].

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness and visual disability among old patients in Europe and North America. AMD has been divided into two broad clinical categories depending on whether there is a presence of abnormal neovascularization: neovascular (exudative or wet) AMD and dry (or geographic atrophic) AMD. VEGF has been understood as a pathogenesis of wet AMD which allows us to get breakthroughs in treatment. While the progression of dry AMD treatment is very slow because the lack of pathogenesis, no acute loss of vision, and without appropriate standards for treatment. This review tries to introduce about the recent researches and progressions for dry AMD treatment.

Estudio comparativo de la modificación de la osmolaridad en enfermedad injerto contra huésped / Comparative study of modification of the osmolarity in graft versus host disease

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Citología de impresión conjuntival en pacientes con valores OSDI normales y alterados / Conjunctival impression cytology in patients with normal and impaired OSDI scores

OBJETIVO: Describir la graduación de Nelson y la densidad de células caliciformes en distintas áreas de la superficie ocular usando citología de impresión conjuntival (CIC), en pacientes con valores Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI©) normales y alterados. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Los pacientes (n = 166) en evaluación por ojo seco, reclutados entre 2011 y 2012, fueron clasificados según el cuestionario OSDI en 4 categorías (normal y alteradas). Se evaluó citología (CIC con tinción Papanicolaou) aplicando el sistema de graduación de Nelson, con modificaciones en la determinación de la estadificación, y recuento de células caliciformes en zonas nasal, temporal, superior e inferior de la superficie conjuntival. RESULTADOS: El grado de Nelson fue significativamente mayor en pacientes con valores OSDI severos, variando desde 0,86 ± 0,09 en pacientes normales a 1,41 ± 0,14 en OSDI severo (p < 0,01). La densidad de células caliciformes disminuyó desde 497,31 ± 50,07 células por muestra en pacientes normales a 310,24 ± 56,24 células por muestra en pacientes con OSDI severo (p < 0,001). La conjuntiva bulbar no fotoexpuesta presentó un número de células caliciformes significativamente mayor (p < 0,0001) que la zona fotoexpuesta en pacientes con OSDI leve (p < 0,01) y moderado (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: La densidad de células caliciformes es menor y la clasificación de Nelson es mayor en pacientes con OSDI severo. La densidad de células caliciformes es mayor en la conjuntiva bulbar no fotoexpuesta

PURPOSE: To describe goblet cell density and Nelson grading in different areas of the ocular surface using conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) among patients with normal and impaired Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients (n = 166) under assessment for dry eye were recruited between 2011 and 2012 and classified according to the OSDI score in 4 categories (normal and impaired). Cytological study (CIC plus Papanicolaou staining) using the Nelson grading system, with modifications in staging, and goblet cell counting were performed on the nasal, temporal, inferior, and superior bulbar conjunctival surfaces. RESULTS: Nelson grading was significantly higher in patients with a severely impaired OSDI score (1.41 ± 0.14) compared to normal patients (0.86 ± 0.09) (P<0.01). Goblet cell density was significantly reduced in patients with a severely impaired OSDI score (310.24 ± 56.24 cells per sample) compared with normal subjects (497.31 ± 50.07 cells per sample) (P<0.001). Compared with the photoexposed bulbar conjunctiva, goblet cell density on the non-photoexposed conjunctiva was significantly higher both in patients with mild (P<0.01) and moderate (P<0.001) OSDI scores. CONCLUSION: Patients with severely impaired OSDI scores have less goblet cells and a higher Nelson grade. Goblet cells are more abundant on the non-photoexposed conjunctiva

Síndrome del ojo seco. Factores de riesgo laboral, valoración y prevención / Dry eye syndrome. Occupational risk factors, valuation and prevention

El síndrome de ojo seco en ámbito laboral se asocia a nuevas formas de trabajo, con uso creciente de pantallas y dispositivos electrónicos y condiciones medioambientales surgidas en los modernos diseños de oficinas, despachos y otros entornos. Influyen igualmente exposiciones laborales a radiaciones ionizantes, productos químicos o polvo ambiental, con incremento de sequedad ocular. El estudio de los aspectos fisiopatológicos y las causas laborales del ojo seco deben ser una tarea coordinada entre salud laboral, salud pública y responsables del Sistema Nacional de Salud, encaminada a actuaciones preventivas primarias y secundarias más eficaces y un correcto diagnóstico, control y seguimiento de la enfermedad. Un mayor conocimiento de los riesgos laborales y actuaciones consensuadas y coordinadas entre médicos del trabajo, prevencionistas, médicos de atención primaria y especialidades implicadas, como oftalmología, permitirá obtener resultados, tanto más eficaces cuanto más precoces, y optimizar los recursos disponibles (AU)

Dry eye syndrome in the workplace is associated with new ways of working, with increasing use of screens and electronic devices and environmental conditions encountered in modern office designs and other environments. Also affect occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals or atmospheric dust with increased ocular dryness. The study of pathophysiological aspects and laboral causality of the dry eye, must be to develop joint task in Occupational Health, Public Health in coordination with and responsible for the national health system, which would involve primary and secondary preventive measures more effective and proper diagnosis, control and monitoring of the disease, A better knowledge of occupational hazards and actions agreed and coordinated between occupational physicians, preventers, primary care physicians and specialist physicians, such as ophthalmology, will get results much more effective when earlier and optimize available resources (AU)

Xerophthalmia in a traditional Quran boarding school in Sudan.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of xerophthalmia at a traditional boarding school where children do not receive a diet adequate in vitamin A. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 406 males residing in a Quranic traditional school was conducted using the World Health Organization xerophthalmia checklist. The association between the prevalence of night blindness and proportion of students staying at the school for 6 consecutive months and those eating solely at the school was investigated. The difference in age between children with night blindness and those without was investigated. Statistical significance was indicated by P<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of night blindness, conjunctival xerosis and Bitot's spots was 24%, 12.5% and 1%, respectively. None of the boys had corneal ulceration, corneal scars and corneal xerosis. No significant association was observed between the differences in mean age and development of night blindness (P=0.657). There was a significant association between the duration of stay (cut-off of 6 months continuously) at the institute and the development of night blindness (P=0.023). There was no statistical significance between regularly eating at the maseed and outside the "maseed" and the development of night blindness (P=0.75). CONCLUSION: Children residing at a traditional school are vulnerable to developing xerophthalmia where the diet is inadequate in vitamin A. Institutional caregivers should be made aware of the importance of providing a balanced diet rich in vitamin A. Institutional caregivers should also be educated on the signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency for early detection of xerophthalmia.

Cytokines in tear fluid of patients with ocular graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the profile of cytokines in tear fluid of patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) and determine their relation to the presence and manifestations of ocular graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). METHODS: In this cross sectional study tear fluid was collected in 34 consecutive adult patients that previously underwent allo-SCT (16 with ocular GvHD and 18 without) and 16 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using the Schirmer test under local anesthesia. Tear fluid was analyzed by multiplex immunoassay for the presence of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ. Levels of measured cytokines were correlated with the findings in slit lamp examination and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). RESULTS: The levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ in tear fluid in ocular GvHD patients were significantly elevated in comparison to patients without ocular GvHD and healthy controls (p<0.005 for each) The levels of IFN-γ correlated with the Schirmer score (r=-0.48, p<0.0001) and tear break up time (TBUT; r=-0.38, p=0.03). Tear IL-6 levels correlated with complaints of dry eyes (r=0.39, p=0.02), tear production (r=-0.59, p<0.0001), fluorescent staining of the cornea (r=0.42, p=0.01), and with the OSDI score (r=0.40, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 and IFN-γ were elevated in tear fluid of patients with ocular GvHD and correlated with different symptoms of dry eye disease, suggesting that IFN-γ is elevated during the early stages and IL-6 is involved in later stages of ocular GVHD and exhibits moreover an association with its severity.

[Sjögren's syndrome: diagnosis and systemic manifestations]. / Circonstances de découverte et manifestations systémiques du syndrome de Gougerot-Sjögren.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by keratoconjunctivis sicca, xerostomia and immune-inflammatory systemic manifestations. The diagnosis is easy to establish when the patient presents with sicca complex as a main symptom, or recurring attacks of parotitis. However, it is way more complex when the disease begins with extraglandular features, such as non erosive polyarticular arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, peripheral or central nervous system involvement, kidney disease or interstitial pneumonary disease, or even vasculitis. In such circumstances, diagnosis is often delayed several years.