Pediatric rheumatologists' perspectives on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of Sjögren disease in children and adolescents.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

BACKGROUND: Sjögren disease in children and adolescents (pedSD) presents differently than adult disease. Diagnosis and classification are controversial, optimal treatment is unknown and outcomes are poorly understood. Here, we describe the current perspectives of pediatric rheumatologists on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of pedSD. METHODS: A voluntary, 17-question survey was distributed to providers in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance and/or the American College of Rheumatology Childhood Sjögren's Study Group at the 2020 Convergence Virtual Conference. Findings are reported using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing. RESULTS: Of 465 eligible providers, 157 (34%) responded with 135 (29%) completing the survey. The majority (85%) saw five or fewer patients with pedSD in the past year. Parotitis, dry eye and/or dry mouth, and constitutional symptoms were among the most specific and common clinical features. Most providers (77%) used clinical judgment guided by adult criteria for diagnosis. The vast majority (86-99%) of survey participants indicated routine use of serologic testing, while salivary gland ultrasound, minor salivary gland biopsy and other diagnostic tests were less often used. The most commonly prescribed systemic immunomodulators were hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, methotrexate, rituximab, and mycophenolate. Seven providers reported malignancy in a patient with pedSD, including one death. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric rheumatologists diagnose and treat pedSD; however, most only see a few patients per year and rely on clinical judgment and laboratory testing for diagnosis. Treatment frequently includes systemic immunomodulators and malignancies are reported. More studies are needed to better understand natural history, risk factors, and the impact of interventions on outcomes.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Randell, RL; Stern, SM; Van Mater, H; Schanberg, LE; Lieberman, SM; Basiaga, ML; CARRA Sjögren Workgroup, ; CARRA Investigators,

Published Date

  • September 5, 2022

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 20 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 79 -

PubMed ID

  • 36064423

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC9446526

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1546-0096

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1186/s12969-022-00740-4

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England