Síndrome de Sjögren primária: aspectos relevantes para os dentistas

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this present review is to provide dentists a better understanding of Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SSp), clinical and epidemiological findings, also the etiopathogenic and histopathological features of the disease. Methods: The search was based on Pubmed/Medline and ScienceDirect database from 1991 to 2017. It was used keywords: “Sjögren’s syndrome”, “salivary gland”, “xerostomia”, “pathogenesis”, “diagnosis”, “minor salivary gland”, “ethiology”, “biopsy”. Discussion: Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SSp) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy involving mainly the lacrimal and salivary glands, resulting in reduced secretory functions and classical sicca symptoms, such as dry eyes and dry mouth. The hallmark of the histopathological features is the presence of aggregates of mononuclear leukocytes surrounding ducts and acini. Others systemic manifestations can also be present, leading to considerable morbidity in the affected patients. The lastest diagnosis criteria of SSp was published in 2017, becoming a historical landmark in the early diagnosis of the disease, reducing the high number of underdiagnosis and improving therapeutic intervention. Conclusion: This review approached the clinical-epidemiological and histopathological features, and etiopathogenic factors of SSp, supporting a better comprehension of this multifactorial disease and needing a multidisciplinary approach and the role of the dentist in the clinical conduct of the patients affected by this syndrome.