Sjögren's syndrome conference at Baylor College of Medicine Oct. 27

Learn more about Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome at the inaugural Sjögren's Syndrome Conference at Baylor College of Medicine Oct. 27. The conference will be held at the Lee and Joe Jamail Specialty Care Center, 1977 Butler Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, room E4.125. The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ending with a question-and-answer session with lecturers.

Since this disease has a wide range of symptoms, experts from more than five different specialties will be on hand presenting background information, as well as current research surrounding their field related to the disorder.

There will also be a presentation about the new Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic at BCM, which began seeing patients this summer.

Sjögren's syndrome is a disorder of the immune system that causes white blood cells to attack moisture-producing glands throughout the body. Symptoms include dry or burning eyes, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, peeling lips, increased dental decay and vaginal and skin dryness. People frequently experience severe fatigue and joint pain and many patients have involvement of other organs, including the lungs, kidneys, brain and digestive organs. Sjögren's can occur alone but many cases occur along with other autoimmune connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma.

For reservations, please contact Shani Corbière at sjogrens@att.net.

9 a.m. - Introduction from Shani Corbière - Sjögren's Syndrome Houston support group director

9:10 a.m. - BCM Biology of Inflammation Center - Dr. David Corry - chief of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at BCM

9:20 a.m. - BCM Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic - Margaret Olfson - senior ophthalmic technician in ophthalmology at BCM

9:30 a.m. - Rheumatological Manifestations of Sjögren's Syndrome - Dr. Tara Rizvi - assistant professor of medicine - rheumatology at BCM

9:50 a.m. - Dental/Oral Manifestations of Sjögren's Syndrome - Dr. Charles F. Streckfus, professor, Diagnostic & Biomedical Sciences at University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston

10:10 a.m. - Question and Answer Session

10:25 a.m. - Break

10:40 a.m. - Head and Neck Manifestations of Sjögren's Syndrome - Dr. Nadia Mohyuddin - assistant professor of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery at BCM

11 a.m. - Eye Manifestations of Sjögren's Syndrome - Dr. Stephen Pflugfelder - professor of ophthalmology at BCM and director of the Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic

11:20 a.m. - New Research findings at BCM -Dr. Cintia de Paiva - assistant professor of ophthalmology at BCM

11:35-1 p.m. - Question and Answer and Discussion