Reducing Diagnostic Delays for Sjögren’s Syndrome: Insights from Rheumatologist Pulukool Sandhya, MD

Sjögren’s syndrome is a difficult condition to diagnose, according to Pulukool Sandhya, MD, a rheumatologist at St. Stephen’s Hospital, in Delhi, India. Sjögren’s is typically more evasive than other autoimmune conditions, making it a challenge for physicians to identify early. This can lead to delays in care, increasing the risk of complications like neurological, lung, or renal diseases, as well as lymphoma. Pulukool suggests that reducing diagnostic delays and improving patient outcomes can be accomplished through increased cross-specialty collaboration and better research focus. Physicians need to think differently when considering presenting symptoms to ensure fewer cases are missed. Research should focus on evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and practices among clinicians, as well as patient surveys to assess the age at onset of symptoms and the initial symptoms and progression.