Sjögrens Podcast Series
Episode One – Understanding Sjögrens Syndrome
In July 2022 RCSI researchers and Sjögrens patient advocated began a collaborative project with the Acuity Foundation Ireland. The aim of this project is to raise awareness of Sjögrens amoung patients and healthcare professionals.
Listen to this fascinating discussion between Deirdre Collins, a patient advocate living with Sjögrens Syndrome, and Dr. Joan Ni Gabhann-Dromgoole, RCSI Lecturer in Ophthalmology and Immunology about their experience of collaborating to involve patients with researchers, facilitated by Lorna Kerin, RCSI Manager of Public Patient Involvement (PPI).
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an auto-immune disorder the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells that produce saliva and tears. While the main symptoms are dry mouth, dry eyes and fatigue, the entire body system can be adversely affected including the skin, joints, muscles, blood, lung, heart, kidney and nervous system. Treatments can include eye drops, medications, and eye surgery.