Sjögren’s Disease
About Sjögren’s
Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system preferentially attacks a person’s own moisture-producing glands, such as those that produce saliva and tears. The disease can also affect other organs in the body. The cause is poorly understood but thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Sjögren’s disease is often present in patients with other autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Our Studies
Multiple OMRF laboratories are using powerful, cutting-edge technologies to gain new insight into a variety of autoimmune diseases. Major goals of our Sjögren’s studies include understanding how genes, environment and specific molecular pathways contribute to this disease. This research will provide valuable knowledge about Sjögren’s disease that may lead to the development of improved diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for individuals with this common and debilitating autoimmune disease. Our clinical research groups are focusing on understanding the clinical, demographic, biomarker and genomic heterogeneity of Sjögren’s patients, as well as also providing clinical trial options to Sjögren’s patients.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the study?
- Individuals with significant symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth.
- Individuals previously diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease.
- Parents and other family members (usually siblings) of enrolled Sjögren’s disease patients.
- Healthy individuals with no history of autoimmune disease.
Who is conducting the study?
This study is being conducted by a team of research scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and collaborators at the University of Oklahoma. The team consists of experts in oral medicine, ophthalmology, rheumatology, autoimmunity and genetics.
What does participation in the Sjögren’s study involve?
- Completion of questionnaires regarding past medical history and symptoms of Sjögren’s disease and other autoimmune diseases.
- Participation in a half-day clinical evaluation to assess the extent of oral, ocular and rheumatologic manifestations of Sjögren’s disease.
- Authorization of researchers to collect medical records related to the diagnoses and treatment of patients with Sjögren’s disease.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes, as required by the Privacy Act, all information is kept strictly private and confidential. The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will retain all data collected.
What is the compensation for participation?
An ophthalmologist, rheumatologist, and oral medicine expert will examine volunteers who qualify for the study and will perform specialized tests. The results of certain clinical and laboratory tests will be available that may be useful to a participant. These medical evaluations, provided at no cost to the volunteer, are worth approximately $2,600. Patients will be provided with the results of these evaluations and are encouraged to review them with their primary care physicians. In addition, all individuals who complete enrollment in the study will receive nominal monetary compensation for participation.
Clinical Trials
No Sjögren’s clinical trials currently open at OMRF.
Contact
If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about our Sjögren’s research studies, please contact us at (405) 868-9412 or by e-mail at sjogrens@omrf.org. You may also write to us at:
OMRF Sjögren’s Studies
Arthritis & Clinical Immunology
825 NE 13th Street, MS #10
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
