2023-09-03 12:15:57
New Study Investigates Link Between Vaginal Dryness and Sjögren’s Disease
Leipzig – A new study called the DryScreen study is underway to investigate the potential connection between vaginal dryness and Sjögren’s disease. Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, causing dry eyes and a dry mouth. However, recent research suggests that the sicca symptoms of this disease may also extend to other mucous membranes, including the vagina.
A recent prevalence study conducted as part of the DryScreen study found that 40-60% of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome reported experiencing vaginal dryness. However, it remains unclear how often Sjögren’s disease is the cause of vaginal dryness. The ongoing DryScreen study aims to shed light on this question and provide important insights for clinical practice.
Dr. Nadine Zehrfeld, a rheumatology and immunology specialist at the Hannover Medical School, presented the preliminary results of the study at the German Rheumatology Congress in Leipzig. According to the initial evaluations, a first sicca screening by gynecologists could potentially lead to the diagnosis of previously undetected Sjögren’s disease.
The DryScreen study primarily focuses on premenopausal women aged 18-52, as vaginal dryness is common during menopause. The researchers are currently seeking more cooperating gynecological practices to participate in the study. A total of 10,000 patients who are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or have undergone gynecological cancer treatment involving radiation will be screened by their gynecologists for signs of vaginal dryness using the Vaginal Health Index (VHI).
The VHI assesses various factors related to vaginal health, including mucous membrane elasticity, secretion amount, moisture, pH value, and epithelium integrity. Women with abnormal VHI scores will be referred for rheumatology evaluation. This evaluation will include additional tests such as the Saxon and Schirmer test to assess salivation and lacrimation, a blood test to determine specific antibodies and inflammation markers, and standardized questionnaires to collect medical history and sexual functioning data.
So far, the DryScreen study has screened 2,205 women, with 17 showing indications of vaginal sicca symptoms in the VHI. Out of these, 12 women agreed to further rheumatological examination. The results confirmed that four of these women were suspected of having Sjögren’s disease and were recommended to undergo a lip gland biopsy or additional check-ups.
The study also found that three-quarters of the patients examined by rheumatologists experienced arthralgias (joint pain), while one-third reported myalgias (muscle pain) or Raynaud’s syndrome. Additionally, one-quarter of the patients reported depression, recurrent eye inflammation, or another autoimmune disease. Fatigue was the most common accompanying symptom, reported by over 83% of patients. Objectified findings included oral sicca (dryness of the mouth) in 71% of patients and positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers in the same percentage. Only 14% of patients had SSA antibodies or elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
The ongoing DryScreen study has the potential to significantly improve early detection and diagnosis of Sjögren’s disease in patients presenting with vaginal dryness symptoms. By raising awareness among gynecologists and providing them with screening tools, this study could result in earlier intervention and better management of this chronic autoimmune condition.]
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