Sjögren syndrome in childhood；a series of four cases

Abstract

We have experienced four cases of childhood Sjögren’s syndrome in our department and report their progress. The ages of the patients ranged from 7 to 14 years, and the sexes were two boys and two girls. Three patients had recurrent swelling of the major salivary glands, three had skin rash, and two had fever. None of the patients complained of dryness. All patients were positive for anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies, and one patient was positive for anti-SS-B/La antibodies. All patients underwent tests for salivary secretion by the gum test, sialography, and minor salivary gland biopsy, and had findings suggesting the presence of salivary gland destruction.
We performed salivary gland ultrasonography in all cases, which revealed hypoechoic areas and hyperechoic lines in the salivary glands in some cases. Ultrasonography is a minimally invasive test and is considered suitable for screening.
We have also had cases of aseptic meningitis and systemic lupus erythematosus as complications; collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics is necessary in the treatment of such cases.