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Sjogren’s Syndrome and Pregnancy

As it is less common, many pregnant women are surprised when they learn from their doctors that they have Sjogren’s syndrome. The time of constant worry and anxiety began because the disease puts their babies at higher risks of neonatal lupus, heart problems and even death. What exactly is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Sjogren’s syndrome and its symptoms
Sjogren’s syndrome is a type of autoimmune disease that is mainly characterized by dry eyes and salivary glands, which can lead to dryness of the immediate parts of the body that require moisture, such as the skin, throat, vagina and the nose. Sjogren’s syndrome can also affect the blood vessels, joints, lungs, digestive organs, nerves, liver, pancreas, brain, and kidneys.

It is mainly the inflammation of the tissues and glands of the body. Inflammation of the salivary glands often leads to cavities, tooth decay, swallowing difficulties, dry mouth, stones, mouth sores, parotid gland infection, and inflammation of the mouth.

According to research, people with Sjogren’s syndrome are deficient in essential fatty acids Omega 3, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Apart from dry mouth and eyes, some patients experience symptoms such as swollen parotid glands, recurrent mouth infection, eye discomfort, hoarseness, blurred vision, and difficulty eating and swallowing. It can also cause pain and fatigue that can affect a patient’s quality of life.

What is an autoimmune disease?
When we say autoimmune diseases, we refer to the abnormal functioning of the immune system. Instead of helping the body fight disease, the immune system tends to attack the body’s organs. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks the salivary gland that produces saliva and the lacrimal gland that produces tears. This eventually leads to dry eyes and mouth.

Risk Factors for Sjogren’s Syndrome
According to research, this autoimmune disease can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in people over the age of 40, and women are 9 times more susceptible to this condition compared to men.

Even people diagnosed with rheumatic diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Sjogren’s syndrome in pregnant women
Women who have been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome should consult their doctors, especially when planning to become pregnant. In fact, it can increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage. Women with this condition often have antibodies known as antiphospholipids. It makes the blood more prone to coagulation. Therefore, a miscarriage is more likely to occur when the blood in the placenta has coagulated.

Many babies are lost during the course of pregnancy due to this condition. It actually causes the amniotic fluid to fill with hardened glass particles that can suffocate and kill the developing baby in the womb.

In rare cases, this autoimmune disease can cause congenital heart block characterized by an abnormal heart rate or rhythm in the baby. When this happens, doctors often prescribe corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation.

In addition, doctors must carefully monitor the baby’s condition throughout the pregnancy. According to research, congenital heart block sometimes requires premature delivery. In very rare cases, Sjogren’s syndrome increases the fetus’s risk of heart problems. In addition, it increases the baby’s susceptibility to lupus.

Treatment Options for Sjogren’s Syndrome
In most cases, treatments for Sjogren’s syndrome are aimed at relieving its symptoms. Some doctors recommend the use of eye drops that can reduce the inflammation of the glands that surround the eyes, in order to increase the production of tears. Frequent intake of water, saliva substitutes, and chewing gum can also help keep your mouth from drying out. Meanwhile, for nasal dryness, patients can use nasal saline irrigation and humidifiers.

Sucking on glycerin swabs and sugar-free lemon drops can also help induce saliva production. Also, drinking plenty of fluids and getting proper dental care can help prevent dry mouth. Saliva stimulants such as cevimeline and pilocarpine can also help treat dry mouth.

Sometimes doctors may prescribe surgery to seal the tear ducts that drain tears from the eyes. Silicone or collagen plugs are then inserted into the ducts for temporary closure. Eventually the collagen dissolves and the silicone plugs are removed. In this case, doctors may recommend lasers to seal the ducts permanently.