Neurosjogren Therapy

Check out this article published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology this month:

Neurosjögren: Early Therapy is Associated With Successful Outcomes 

Amelia Santosa, MBBS, MMed, MRCP, Anita Y.N. Lim, MBChB, MRCP, Sheila Vasoo, MBBS, FAMS, FRCP(Edin), Tang Ching Lau, MBBS, MMed, MMedSec, FRCP, Gim Gee Teng, MBBS
J Clin Rheumatol. 2012;18(8):389-392.  

Introduction: Primary Sjögren syndrome (PSS) is a systemic autoimmune condition characterized by chronic lymphocytic and plasmacellular infiltration of exocrine glands. Prevalence ranges from 0.09% to 3.5%[1] with a female predilection (ratio of 9:1).[2] Fatigue and joint and muscle pains are common at presentation and occur early in the disease. The hallmark of PSS, ocular and oral dryness, is present in more than 90% of patients,[3] with frequent positivity of antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Ro/SS-A, and rheumatoid factor (RF).[2] Prevalence of neurologic manifestations vary from 0% to 60%.[2,4,5] In view of the scarcity of studies on neurosjögren from Asia, we report our cohort of patients with severe neurologic manifestations of PSS and review the literature.
Conclusion: Neurologic diseases reflect high disease activity and benefit from prompt aggressive treatment. Vigilance is needed when female patients present with new-onset unexplained neurologic syndromes, as the typical sicca complex may be absent. Seemingly benign PSS may evolve over time to affect the neurologic system. Continued follow-up and awareness for new neurologic symptoms facilitate early intervention.

Of particular interest to me was their statement in the conclusion:
"...Vigilance is needed when female patients present with new-onset unexplained neurologic syndromes, as the typical sicca complex may be absent. Seemingly benign PSS may evolve over time to affect the neurologic system."

Early identification despite absence of dry mouth/dry eyes (sicca). Early aggressive treatment. Good idea.

Have you seen the term neurosjogren before? I haven't -- but it makes sense to me.