The Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Sequelae of Sjogren’s Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic multisystem autoimmune condition where lymphocytes attack exocrine glands. Although this condition occurs in pediatric populations, it is often a missed diagnosis or diagnosis made after significant disease progression, frequently leading to extensive investment of time and resources. This case study follows a six-year-old African American female who, after an extensive medical course, was ultimately diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome. This case study intends to increase awareness of the potential abnormal presentations of this connective tissue disease in special populations, specifically school-aged pediatric patients. Even with the rarity of this condition in the pediatric population, physicians should keep Sjogren's Syndrome on their differential diagnosis when a patient presents with atypical or non-specific autoimmune-like symptoms. The presentation of children can be more severe than anticipated in an adult. A rapid, multi-disciplinary approach must be implemented to improve the prognosis of pediatric patients with Sjogren's Syndrome.