methylcellulose and Sjogren-s-Syndrome

Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Female; Fluid Therapy; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; HLA-DR3 Antigen; Humans; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Nephritis, Interstitial; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Rheumatoid Factor; Sex Factors; Sjogren's Syndrome; Vasculitis

Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of a new formulation of methylcellulose, preservative-free 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), for the treatment of dry eye. In the clinical part of our study, two groups of dry-eye patients, those with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and those without (non-SS), were treated topically with 0.5% HPMC and evaluated for symptoms, ocular surface vital staining, tear breakup time (BUT), and tear evaporation rate from the ocular surface at 40% ambient humidity (TEROS40). In the in vivo part of the study, rose bengal uptake was measured in human conjunctival epithelial cells, which were cultured and incubated with or without 0.5% HPMC. Although symptoms improved in both groups, rose bengal and fluorescein staining and BUT improved significantly only in the SS group. TEROS40 increased for 30 min after instillation of 0.5% HPMC, but not after use of 0.1% sodium hyaluronate or saline-based artificial tears. Rose bengal uptake by cultured conjunctival epithelial cells was blocked by 0.5% HPMC. These findings suggest that 0.5% HPMC provides long coverage of and protection for the ocular surface. Patients with severe dry eye, such as in SS, are good candidates for this treatment.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Conjunctiva; Dry Eye Syndromes; Female; Humans; Hypromellose Derivatives; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Rose Bengal; Sjogren's Syndrome; Staining and Labeling; Tears

The aim of this investigation was to describe and to compare the effectiveness of a CMC- and a mucin-containing saliva substitute. 22 post-radiation patients, 17 Sjögren's Syndrome patients and 3 patients with xerostomia of unknown origin used a CMC- and a mucin-containing saliva substitute, each for 1 week in an arbitrary sequence. Neither the patient, the assistant, nor the physician were aware of the substitute being used. Each patient had to complete a questionnaire at 3 different intervals during the trial. One of the conclusions of this study is that mucin-containing substitutes are preferred by patients when compared to CMC-containing substitutes.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes; Mucins; Radiation Injuries; Saliva, Artificial; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerostomia

The stimulatory effect of a recently introduced saliva substitute (Saliment) on the parotid salivary secretion was experimentally investigated in 10 healthy individuals without signs or symptoms of xerostomia and in 11 patients with xerostomia due to Sjögren's syndrome. Further, in 15 patients with Sjögren's syndrome, the effect of Saliment on the sensation of xerostomia was examined in a double-blind clinical study with cross-over. The use of Saliment was followed by a significant stimulation in the parotid salivary secretion (P less than 0.01) and the subjection sensation of xerostomia was significantly reduced (P less than 0.01).

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Glycerol; Humans; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Parotid Gland; Saliva; Secretory Rate; Sjogren's Syndrome; Sorbitol; Time Factors; Xerostomia

The slow-releasing artificial tear (SR-AT) is a soluble polymer in solid form. Placed in the inferior cul-de-sac and allowed to dissolve, it is used to treat dry-eye patients. The SR-AT was studied in two phases. The short-term cross-over study of 40 patients was completed in October 1976. The long-term open study is still in progress. Of 37 patients who started the long-term study, 18 are still using the inserts-a study retention of 49%.

Topics: Cellulose; Child; Delayed-Action Preparations; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Sjogren's Syndrome; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Xerophthalmia

Sjögren's syndrome is a complex disease state with multisystem manifestations. Two forms of the disease, primary and secondary, are recognized; the secondary form is more easily diagnosed because of its association with an already established rheumatic or autoimmune disease. Treatment consists of measures to prevent damage from ocular and oral dryness (sicca complex) and to minimize systemic manifestations.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biopsy; Female; Humans; Male; Methylcellulose; Prednisone; Salivary Glands; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerophthalmia; Xerostomia

The author reports on 16 patients (9 with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, 7 with Sjögren's syndrome) treated with Isopto-Naturale eye drops for 10 months. Reduction of photophobia, burning, dryness and foreign-body sensation were achieved by local administration of the drug 2 to 5 times a day. The lesions in the corneal epithelium also improved significantly during the treatment period. Thus, Isopto-Naturale eye drops have proved to be more effective than 1% methylcellulose or 1.4% PVA artificial tear eye drops in the treatment of dry-eye syndrome.

Topics: Humans; Hypromellose Derivatives; Keratoconjunctivitis; Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca; Methylcellulose; Ophthalmic Solutions; Sjogren's Syndrome

Pancreatitis had been erroneously diagnosed in a 50-year-old female patient with primary sicca syndrome with chronic salivary-gland-caused increase of amylase of 5 years' standing. Differentiation of amylase into isoenzymes showed clearly increased salivary amylase with normal pancreatic amylase. Little is known on the increase of amylase in Sjögren's syndrome. Unresolved increase of amylase of non-pancreatic origin should thus also lead to consideration of sicca syndrome.

Topics: Amylases; Antacids; Female; Gastritis; Histamine H2 Antagonists; Humans; Isoenzymes; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Salivary Glands; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerophthalmia

Topics: Adult; Aged; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Humans; Hypromellose Derivatives; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Sjogren's Syndrome; Xerophthalmia

Topics: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Drug Combinations; Female; Fluorides; Humans; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Minerals; Saliva; Sjogren's Syndrome; Sodium Fluoride; Xerostomia

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Adult; Cautery; Contact Lenses; Eyelids; Female; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis; Lacrimal Apparatus; Metabolic Diseases; Methods; Methylcellulose; Ophthalmic Solutions; Parotid Gland; Postoperative Complications; Sjogren's Syndrome; Surgery, Plastic; Sympathectomy