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The 2nd Annual Sjögren's Syndrome Conference at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine will be held Oct. 5. The event will include lectures from a variety of specialists who treat the disorder.

Since Sjögren’s Syndrome has a wide range of symptoms, experts from different specialties will be on hand presenting background information as well as current research from their fields that relate to the disorder. There will also be a presentation about the Sjögren’s Syndrome Center at BCM, where physicians began seeing patients last year. It will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

Sjögren’s syndrome is a disorder of the immune system that causes white blood cells to attack moisture-producing glands throughout the body. The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, but Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, liver, pancreas and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Patients have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Most people also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain as well as other dryness issues. Sjögren's can occur alone or along with other autoimmune connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma.

Reservations are required for the conference. For reservations, please contact Shani Corbière at sjogrens@att.net.