Nine out of ten Sjögren’s patients are women and the age of diagnosis is typically between 30 to 50 years old.
Shamsee, a mother of two and grandmother to two very active grandchildren, first began noticing symptoms in 2002 that have progressed over the years.
“My severely dry mouth means I avoid foods that are not wet because my body cannot digest them,” says Shamsee. “The lack of saliva has also caused my teeth to rot and break up, and my gums are constantly sore. As bad as these visible signs are, Sjögren’s also causes profound exhaustion and fatigue, and insomnia, which can lead to depression.”
It took many years before she got the care she needed.
“I went to several doctors who told me to stay away from Asian foods, MSG, etc.,” says Shamsee. “I was adamant that this was not the cause. I was referred to an internist who advised me that I needed to see a Dermatologist, who then told me I had Sjögren’s and I should see a rheumatologist.”
Eventually, thanks to some Internet sleuthing by her daughter, in April 2007 Shamsee visited Dr. Arthur Bookman at the Sjögren’s Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital. That was when she was officially diagnosed.
Canada’s only multidisciplinary Sjögren’s program
The Sjögren’s Clinic was established by Dr. Bookman in 1991. It is the only multidisciplinary Sjögren’s program in Canada incorporating care from rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and ear, nose and throat doctors.
“Unfortunately, Shamsee’s experience is similar to many other individuals with Sjögren’s,” says Dr. Bookman. “It’s a very challenging condition to diagnose because of the range of symptoms a patient may have, and the similarity to other conditions.
From left: Dr. Joan Wither, senior scientist focused on autoimmune rheumatic disease and Dr. Arthur Bookman, founder and Director of the Sjögren’s Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital.
On average it takes a person four years to be accurately diagnosed. Unfortunately, living with the symptoms can be devastating.”
Patients are relieved when they get an answer. With growing awareness over the past decade, the number of diagnoses is increasing and Dr. Bookman has a full patient load, with 2-3 new patients each week, coming from across Canada.
“Because an individual experiences many symptoms that can be so varied, our Clinic is the best place to come,” says Dr. Bookman. “In one appointment, a patient can see every specialist they need. We can offer them treatments that include topical applications to relieve dryness and in some cases, if diagnosed early enough, drugs that can halt the disease process.”
World-leading research
The concentration of clinicians and scientists at the Clinic is helping to advance groundbreaking research that is exploring the potential causes of Sjögren’s – currently believed to be genetic or due to previous exposure to virus – and improved treatment options.
Dr. Joan Wither is a world-renowned Senior Scientist focused on autoimmune rheumatic disease. Her research and basic science background paired with Dr. Bookman’s clinical expertise make their collaboration truly unique and, with donor support, will result in improved care for Sjögren’s patients around the world.
Dr. Wither runs a clinic that can screen individuals with autoantibodies that are known to precede the clinical onset of autoimmune diseases.
“The clinic allows us to follow these patients over time with the aim of early identification of individuals that are progressing to one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases,” says Dr. Wither. “Most patients go through a prolonged pre-clinical phase before developing disease and earlier treatment would prevent the damage that occurs at the onset of disease.”
In June 2015, Dr. Wither was the winner of a European League Against Rheumatism Abstract Award for this groundbreaking research. Together with Dr. Bookman, they are embarking on a larger genetic study with an international collaborator focused on the patients group from her clinic.
Dr. Wither is driving forward other investigations including collaboration with Dr. Bookman and an industry partner to develop new treatments for Sjögren’s patients.
Advances in research made here give patients like Shamsee hope. As does the expert, compassionate care she receives from Dr. Bookman and his team.
“Dr. Bookman is the most wonderful and caring person I have ever known as a doctor,” says Shamsee. “I know my immune system is not where it should be, but he’s giving me the tools I need to tame it. Truly, Dr. Bookman is the best.”
To support the work of Dr. Arthur Bookman and Dr. Joan Wither, please contact Anette Larsson at anette.larsson@uhn.ca or 416 603 5800 x4059.
