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Sicca syndrome (dry mouth and dry eyes) occurs predominantly due to the side effects of medication, systemic diseases (Sjögren’s disease), and radiotherapy of the head and neck region. Sicca complaints decrease the quality of life, cause sleep disturbances, and affect overall health. This systematic literature review investigates the correlation and/or association between dry mouth and dry eyes. A comprehensive search was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science databases up to November 2024. English-language research studies investigating the association and/or correlation between dry mouth and dry eyes were included. Study quality was assessed using NIH quality assessment tools. Data on publication details, participant characteristics, assessment methods, and outcomes was extracted and synthesised based on the type of outcome (objective and/or subjective assessments) and cohort type.
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Background Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating problem in Sjögren's syndrome. It has been suggested that physical activity and cognitions about physical activity can influence fatigue. Objective The aim of this study was to examine fatigue and physical activity levels in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and the associations of physical activity and physical activity cognitions with fatigue. Methods In 300 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and 100 demographically matched people from the general population (mean age 57, 93% female), fatigue (five dimensions of the 'Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory') and physical activity (three dimensions of the 'International Physical Activity Questionnaire') were assessed. The physical activity cognitions 'activity avoidance' and 'somatic focus' of the 'Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia' were assessed in the Sjögren's group only. Results Sjögren's patients had higher scores on all five fatigue dimensions (p < .001) and lower scores on moderate and vigorous intensity activity (p < .01) as compared to control participants. In the Sjögren's group, lower physical activity and a higher activity avoidance and somatic focus were associated with more severe fatigue on most fatigue dimensions (p < .05). For general fatigue and physical fatigue, especially the combination of low physical activity and either high avoidance or high somatic focus was associated with more severe fatigue (p < .05). Conclusions Our results suggest that fatigue in patients with Sjögren's syndrome might be reduced by targeting both physical activity and physical activity cognitions. This suggestion requires verification in clinical experimental studies.
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