From Syndrome to Disease: Understanding the New Sjogren’s Nomenclature

In the opening segment, the panel introduces themselves and frames the discussion around the recent international consensus to rename Sjögren’s Syndrome as Sjögren’s Disease (SjD). The panel explains that the term syndrome historically implied a vague cluster of symptoms, while current research clearly establishes SjD as a defined systemic autoimmune disease with immune activation, potential organ involvement, and risks such as lymphoma. Renaming the condition better reflects this pathophysiology and helps improve communication across research, clinical practice, and patient care.

The conversation also highlights the shift from describing cases as secondary to using the term “associated” SjD, particularly when coexisting with conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. This change avoids minimizing SjD, reinforces the need to address it as its own disease process, and supports clearer diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning.