The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking participants for Sjögren’s syndrome research studies. Scientists are seeking healthy individuals as well as those who have been diagnosed with or have symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome.
Sjögren’s syndrome is an “autoimmune” disease in which the immune system 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. Common symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain.
The project will help OMRF researchers better understand the causes of Sjögren’s syndrome. Data and samples obtained from the study will be compiled into a registry and repository to aid scientists in future Sjögren’s studies.
“Very few clinics in the U.S. can thoroughly evaluate patients for symptoms of Sjögren’s, especially in a single visit,” said Kathy Moser, Ph.D., director of the study. “Because we have the capacity to conduct a targeted, comprehensive exam, it will allow us to collect critical information and gather samples from patients with a definitive diagnosis. That data will help us develop better ways to diagnose and treat Sjögren’s in the future.”
Evaluations will be conducted in OMRF’s newly established Sjögren’s Research Clinic by a team of clinicians with expertise in oral medicine, ophthalmology and rheumatology. Participants in the study will be asked to complete a health history questionnaire, donate three to four ounces of blood and participate in a half-day physical evaluation. All who complete enrollment in the study will be compensated for their time and effort.
OMRF (omrf.org) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human disease.
For more information or to participate in this research study, please call (405) 271-2574 or toll-free (800) 605-7447.
