An international panel of experts and patients has agreed to rename Sjögren’s syndrome as Sjögren’s disease, marking a significant shift in medical nomenclature. Published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology, the consensus reflects the recognition that Sjögren’s is a distinct systemic autoimmune disease rather than just a collection of symptoms. The term “syndrome” was seen as misleading, implying a vague set of minor complaints, while research shows Sjögren’s is characterized by specific autoantibodies, glandular histopathology, and systemic involvement that can cause serious morbidity and, in some cases, increased mortality. The consensus also recommends using the abbreviation “SjD” and eliminating the outdated terms “primary” and “secondary” Sjögren’s, as these labels minimized the disease’s seriousness and hindered research on overlap cases with conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. For patients, the name change emphasizes the systemic and serious nature of the disease, while for researchers and clinicians, it ensures greater clarity in diagnosis, treatment, and future therapeutic development.
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