Penn Sjogren's Syndrome Center
The Penn Sjogren's Syndrome Center, part of the
Division of Rheumatology
at Penn Presbyterian, provides a multidisciplinary
approach to treating patients with Sjogren's.
Primarily affecting women, Sjogren's syndrome
is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that
typically causes dryness of the eyes, mouth and
other body parts.
The Penn Sjogren's Syndrome Center is the only
major treatment center within a 100-mile radius
of Philadelphia. Its referral base includes not
only the tri-state area, but also patients from
around the United States and overseas. The center
features a network of specialists
at Penn Presbyterian and the Hospital of the University
of Pennsylvania to deal with various Sjogren's-related
problems.
Penn Presbyterian also serves as the regional
headquarters of the Philadelphia Chapter of the
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, the local support
group, for which Frederick
Vivino, MD, director of Penn Sjogren's Syndrome
Center, serves as Medical Advisor. Regular educational
seminars are held at Penn Presbyterian to discuss management
of various aspects of the disease.
In addition to clinical excellence, the Center
also supports clinical and basic research. Physicians
at Penn Presbyterian pioneered the development
of a nuclear medicine test for Sjogren's syndrome
called salivary scintigraphy. Studies are ongoing
to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value
of this technique. Some of the original research
work for pilocarpine (Salagen), the first prescription
medication ever FDA approved for Sjogren's syndrome,
was also conducted at Penn Presbyterian.
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