Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is an immunologic disorder characterized by progressive destruction of exocrine glands leading to mucosal and conjunctival dryness. It is one type of disease of the connective tissues, bones and joints. A diagnosis of this syndrome is made when there is a triad of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia and mononuclear cell infiltration of salivary gland. It is differentiated into four different type’s namely primary, secondary and glandular type. In primary type disease occurs by itself, in the absence of any connective tissue disorder .But in case of secondary type the disease is accompanied by a variety of autoimmune disorders. In glandular type only clinical manifestations are within the exocrine system. Some clinical features are 1. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a dryness of eyes resulting from lack of lacrimal secretion which results in grittiness, burning or itching; 2.Xerostomia is dryness of mouth resulting from lack of salivary secretion, 3.Common laboratory abnormalities are leucopenia, thrombocytosis, elevated levels of circulating immune complexes and auto antibodies. Following treatment should be taken to overcome this disease they are Hydroxychloroquine is very helpful for arthralgias, Corticosteroids are useful particularly in the management of glomerulonephritis and pneumonitis, Immunosuppressive therapy is indicated for patients with systematic vasculitis.