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Sjögren’s syndrome-trishna predominant amavata? A case report


Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is one of the three most common autoimmune systemic diseases. The pathogenesis of SS is still unknown. SS often has an insidious onset, a variable course, and a wide variety of clinical manifestations, making the diagnosis difficult or delayed. SS can present either alone (Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome - pSS) or in association of an underlying connective tissue disease, most commonly ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)’ or ‘Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)’ (Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome - sSS). Clinically the hallmarks of SS are kerato-conjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes) and xerostomia (dry mouth), or named sicca complex. SS occasionally coexists with other systemic autoimmune diseases, such that SLE and RA. Treatment goals of SS includes, palliative management of symptoms, preventing complications and immunosuppressive agents. Ayurvedic concept of SS is obscure and studies are lacking in this area. Things have become difficult for an Ayurvedic physician to evaluate and manage the cases of SS due to lack of literature. The present case report deals with a patient of sSS (associated with RA) came for Ayurvedic treatment. The diagnosis of ‘Amavata’ has been made and treated accordingly. ‘Trishna’ mentioned in ‘Amavata’ seems similar to ‘xerostomia’ or ‘sicca’ of Sjögren’s syndrome. The diagnosis and line of treatment of ‘Amavata’ is suitable to manage the condition of ‘Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome’ (sSS) especially when it is associated with ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis’. Ayurvedic treatment looks promising to manage Sjögren’s syndrome and its complications. 

Keywords

SS, sjögren’s syndrome, pSS, primary sjögren’s syndrome, RA, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus, ILD, interstitial lung disease, ANA, antinuclear auto-antibodies, ayurveda, amavata, autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus

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