What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome

The key difference between primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome is that primary Sjogren’s syndrome takes place in the absence of another underlying autoimmune disease, while secondary Sjogren’s syndrome is associated with another autoimmune disease.

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the moisture of the body through the lacrimal and salivary glands and has a long-term effect. SS is usually associated with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or systemic sclerosis. There are two types of SS known as primary and secondary. Primary SS occurs independent of other health problems or disorders, and secondary SS occurs as a result of other connective tissue disorders or health problems.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome
3. What is Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome
4. Similarities – Primary and Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome
5. Primary vs Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Primary and Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome

What is Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Primary Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease where lymphatic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands occurs, causing dry eyes and dry mouth, respectively. Primary SS usually occurs due to the lymphoid infiltration of the lung, kidney, stomach, liver, skin, and muscles and shows extra glandular features. Initially, during pathogenesis, the lymphocytes that infiltrate salivary glands and lymph nodes with the use of monoclonal antibodies identify distinct lymphocyte subsets.

Primary SS is not caused as a result of other health problems. It shows mild systemic signs such as fatigue and pain, and they are treated by exercises and a short-term moderate dose of glucocorticoids and disease-modifying drugs. However, severe and acute conditions require advanced treatment with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant drugs.

What is Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Secondary Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes extreme dryness in the mouth and eyes and is influenced by another autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. This makes the production of saliva and tears difficult since the moisture-producing glands are damaged. A hallmark of this disease is the infiltration of target organs by lymphocytes. Secondary SS is a mild form of SS, and the most common cause is rheumatoid arthritis.

The common symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, dry throat, and dry upper airways. Difficulty in tasting and swallowing food, coughing, dental issues, hoarseness, and difficulty in speaking is also experienced. There is no complete cure for secondary SS, so the treatment process alleviates symptoms and improves health. Medications to stimulate the secretion of tears and saliva are also used in treatment.

What are the Similarities Between Primary and Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome?

• Primary and secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome are autoimmune diseases.
• Both show dry eyes and dry mouth.
• Common symptoms of both conditions are fatigue, fever, and pain in joints, muscles, and nerves.
• Biopsy, blood tests, and Schirmer’s tests can be used to diagnose both conditions.
• Severe cases of both primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome affect vital organs such as kidneys, lungs, liver, blood vessels, stomach, pancreas, and brain.
• Genetics and environmental factors play a role in the onset of both conditions.

What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Primary Sjogren’s syndrome takes place in the absence of another underlying autoimmune disease, while secondary Sjogren’s syndrome is associated with another autoimmune disease. This is the key difference between primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome. Primary SS is more severe, and secondary SS is milder and has a slower progression. There is no complete cure for secondary SS, unlike primary SS. Primary SS is treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant drugs.

The following table summarizes the difference between primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome.

Summary – Primary vs Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the moisture of the body through the lacrimal and salivary glands and has a long-term effect. There are two types as primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome. Primary Sjogren’s syndrome takes place without any other underlying autoimmune disease, while secondary Sjogren’s syndrome takes place in association with another autoimmune disease. Common causes for Sjogren’s syndrome are genetic influence, environmental, and other factors, including autoimmune disorders. This summarizes the difference between primary and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome.

Reference:

1. Pietrangelo, Ann. “Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome and Arthritis.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 15 Aug. 2018.
2. Sisó-Almirall, Antoni, et al. “Primary Sjögren Syndrome in Primary Health Care.” Sjögren’s Syndrome, 2011, pp. 501–514.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sjogrens Syndrome” By Scientific Animations – (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Secondary Raynaud’s in Sjögren’s syndrome 1” By Intermedichbo – User:Milorad Dimic MD (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia