Gougerot-Sjögren is neither contagious nor hereditary, but it can be observed in families with various autoimmune diseases suggesting the possibility of a predisposing genetic background.

There is no way to prevent Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome.

The course of the disease

It is a chronic disease of slow progression, without impact on the lifespan. On the other hand, fatigue, pain and sicca syndrome are difficult to bear.

Complications are linked to those of sicca syndrome, the appearance of systemic forms (15% of cases) or lymphoma (5% of cases), particularly when the disease begins early.

People with Gougerot-Sjögren should be monitored regularly by their doctor as well as by an ophthalmologist and dentist, or even other specialists depending on the organs affected.

Box: Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome and pregnancy

Women with Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome have usually normal fertility and pregnancy does not change the disease. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated.

Those planning a pregnancy should talk to their doctor because the presence of anti-SSA autoantibodies can cause heart rhythm disturbances in the fetus in 2% of cases which require close monitoring between the 14th and 26th week of the week. ‘amenorrhea.