Interdisciplinary approach to the management of a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome: a clinical case

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Dryness of the mucous membranes (in mouth, nose, genitals in women) and skin are the most common complaints of patients with Sjogren’s disease — a multisystem immune‑mediated disorder that causes anxiety and concern associated with the difficulties of initial diagnosis. The authors present a clinical case of a patient with primary Sjogren’s syndrome, a large number of symptoms of digestive diseases, complaints of dryness of mucous membranes, in particular the oral cavity. The diagnosis was confirmed by allied specialists such as ophthalmologist, gynecologist, rheumatologist, dentist. Detailed dental examination revealed the main dental complaints (constant dry mouth, galitos, changes in taste), clinical condition (dryness of the red border of the lips, swelling of the oral mucosa, changes in the relief of the gums), decreased secretory activity and significant reduction of unstimulated salivation with a moderate level of stimulated salivation. It is noted that a significant decrease in sialometry (0.01 ml per minute) and functional activity of the small salivary glands (up to 18) confirms the presence of true xerostomia. Micro‑crystallization of saliva revealed disorganization of irregularly shaped structures, as well as a significant number of organic inclusions, which indicates a violation of homeostasis in the oral cavity. Given the results of ultrasound examination of the large salivary glands and the absence of enlargement and swelling of the glands during clinical examination, we can assume that the destructive damage to the glands is not so pronounced, evacuation function of the gland is not reduced, but the amount of secretion is significantly reduced. To provide medical aid to patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, the accessibility of the qualified consultation is important and required, with conduction of comprehensive examinations by allied specialists, including a dentist.