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About the Study

Who runs this study?

  • The study is run by the Sjögren's Syndrome and Salivary Gland Dysfunction Unit, Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
  • The Principal Investigator of this study is Ilias Alevizos, DMD.

What is this study about?

  • It is important to determine the cause of salivary gland dysfunction, as this may be an early component of serious systemic illness. For example, the participant with Sjögren's syndrome has an increased risk of developing a lymphoma or significant neuropathy, as well as having associated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary biliary cirrhosis or polymyositis.
  • Our goals are:
    • Obtain data from patients and their relatives to characterize the causes of Sjögren's Syndrome
    • Obtain data from healthy volunteers for comparison with data from patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
    • Obtain data from patients with other salivary gland disease or disorders

What kind of commitment is involved?

  • The evaluation is over a one or two day period, there may be additional visits if needed
  • Evaluations may include questionnaires, oral and head and neck examinations, imaging, saliva collection, biopsies, physical examination, blood and urine tests, and a dry eye examination
  • Some of the collected saliva, biopsy tissue and blood may be used for research.

How can I ask questions or ask for help?