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Hsu CW, Lee JT, Koo M. Sexual dysfunction in women with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:299-306. [PMID: 38481023 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition affecting the exocrine glands, which can adversely affect the sexual activities of women with pSS. OBJECTIVES The study sought to evaluate the performance of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score in women with pSS regarding desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain compared with those of healthy individuals. METHODS A systematic review was conducted by examining studies published up to May 2023 using Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed with the search terms "sexual" and "Sjögren's syndrome." RESULTS Out of the 228 articles retrieved, 9 met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Six of these studies were cross-sectional, involving 229 women with pSS and 303 control subjects. Results from the meta-analysis showed that women with pSS had significantly lower scores in all 6 FSFI subdomains and the total FSFI score compared with healthy individuals. Lubrication showed the largest decrease, followed by pain. In addition, women with pSS exhibited significantly higher standardized mean differences in depression and in anxiety, as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, when compared with control subjects. CONCLUSION This updated meta-analysis underscores the importance of assessing genitourinary atrophy, disease-related psychological changes, and dyspareunia in women with pSS. It also emphasizes the need for customized therapeutic approaches to address these sexual dysfunctions effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, 62247 Chiayi, Taiwan
- Center for Quality Management, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, 62247 Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jian Tao Lee
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan
- Nursing Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Malcolm Koo
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien City, 970302, Taiwan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
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Ozdemir Isik O, Temiz Karadag D, Tekeoglu S, Yazici A, Cefle A. Gynecological symptoms in primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome and the effect of the disease on sexuality. J Sex Med 2024; 21:248-254. [PMID: 38366657 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune systemic disease affecting many organs and systems, such as genital system. AIM This study aimed to present the gynecological symptoms of patients who were followed up in an outpatient clinic because of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) and to show how the disease affected sexuality. METHODS This study is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2019 and 2020. The study sample consisted of 60 pSS patients, 42 sSS patients, and 52 healthy control subjects. OUTCOMES All the participants were questioned about sexuality, and completed the 36-item Short Form Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Modified Hill questionnaire. RESULTS The patients had a mean age of 55.6 ± 11.85 years in pSS, 59.39 ± 11.18 years in sSS, and 56.1 ± 10.46 years in healthy control subjects. Vaginal and vulvar dryness and dyspareunia were present at a significantly higher rate in SS, especially in pSS, compared with the control subjects. The Health Assessment Questionnaire score was significantly lower in the pSS group than in the sSS group. Arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue were prominent in all SS patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Gynecological symptoms, sexual ability, and the effects of the disease on sexuality should be questioned in all SS patients. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS It is very important that we evaluate the gynecological symptoms of both pSS and sSS patients and the effect of the disease on these symptoms. The small number of patients and healthy control subjects is a limitation. CONCLUSION The gynecological and musculoskeletal symptoms negatively affected sexuality in patients with pSS and sSS, and the negative effect of the disease on sexuality was more pronounced in the pSS group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ozdemir Isik
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Duygu Temiz Karadag
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Senem Tekeoglu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Ayten Yazici
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
| | - Ayse Cefle
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41001, Turkey
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Yang Y, Huang XX, Huo RX, Lin JY. Sexual health in women with Sjogren's syndrome: A review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 291:1-9. [PMID: 37801781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic diseases, mainly affecting women, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc., are chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorders that may involve multiple organs or systems and are closely related to sexual health, which is an important aspect of human physical and mental health. Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is the second most common rheumatic illnesses after rheumatoid arthritis with a female predominance. At present, the research on sexual health of female SS patients is still scarce and difficult to summarize. OBJECTIVES The objective of our study was to systematically review the literature for the influence of maternal SS on sexual health, such as sexual function, sex hormones, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search based on PubMed and Web of science databases from inception to 1 November 2022. Outcomes were divided into 4 categories: sex hormones, sexual function, fertility, and pregnancy and offspring outcomes. RESULTS A total of 756 potentially eligible papers were retrieved. After eliminating duplicate articles and reviewing the titles and abstracts to exclude records, we read the remaining 92 articles in full for further evaluation, and selected 42 studies. Results on sex hormones, sexual function, fertility and pregnancy and offspring outcomes were reported in 13, 12, 3 and 14 SS-related articles, respectively. The levels of some sex hormones in SS patients may have undergone changes. Female patients with SS have a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction compared with controls. Most studies suggested SS had an adverse impact on maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancy. However, there is insufficient evidence that directly indicating the fertility of SS women is diminished. CONCLUSIONS In summary, certain aspects of sexual health (sexual function, sex hormones and pregnancy outcomes) are impaired in SS women. Screening for sexual health problems in SS female should become an integral part of medical clinical practice. Rheumatologists should be aware of this association and collaborate with gynecologists, obstetricians, psychologists, and other experts on this issue to determine appropriate therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Xin-Xiang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Rong-Xiu Huo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jin-Ying Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
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The impact of Sjӧgren's syndrome on the quality of sexual life of female patients in the UK: a controlled analysis. Rheumatol Int 2021; 42:1423-1429. [PMID: 33688999 PMCID: PMC9287246 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal dryness and dyspareunia are symptoms that may significantly affect women with primary Sjӧgren syndrome (pSS). We investigated whether vaginal dryness is correlated with sexual function, and the impact may have on the quality of life (QoL) and mental health well-being in pSS patients. Ethically approved comparative cross-sectional study was designed to assess sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 65 pSS female patients vs 62 sex-matched controls. The effect of vaginal dryness and fatigue on sexual function was investigated. Vaginal dryness was correlated with oral dryness estimated by salivary flow rate and the Clinical Oral Dryness Score to investigate whether genital dryness is indicative of general mucosal dryness in pSS. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate the effect of sexual function on QoL and mental health well-being. The number of sexually active pSS participants was significantly less than in the control group (28/65 vs 42/62, p < 0.05). The sexual function was significantly impaired in the pSS group (mean FSFI = 19 vs 28.3, p < 0.05). There was no significant association between self-reported vaginal dryness and oral dryness or sexual function. The open-ended questions showed that the most troublesome symptom reported by pSS patients was oral dryness (43%, n = 28/65) followed by fatigue (31%, n = 20/65). Sexual dysfunction had a negative impact on QoL and the mental health well-being of pSS patients in all aspects, especially on the quality of social life (β = 0.7, p = 0.02). Addressing sexual dysfunction can potentially improve the QoL of pSS patients significantly, especially their social well-being.
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van Nimwegen JF, van der Tuuk K, Liefers SC, Verstappen GM, Visser A, Wijnsma RF, Vissink A, Hollema H, Mourits MJE, Bootsma H, Kroese FGM. Vaginal dryness in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a histopathological case-control study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:2806-2815. [PMID: 32044981 PMCID: PMC7516088 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to study clinical, histopathological and immunological changes in the vagina and cervix of women with primary SS, which might explain vaginal dryness. METHODS We included 10 pre-menopausal female primary SS patients with vaginal dryness and 10 pre-menopausal controls undergoing a laparoscopic procedure. The vaginal health index was recorded. Multiplex immunoassays and flow cytometry were performed on endocervical swab and cervicovaginal lavage samples to evaluate cellular and soluble immune markers. Mid-vaginal and endocervical biopsies were taken and stained for various leucocyte markers, caldesmon (smooth muscle cells), avian V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homologue (ERG; endothelial cells) and anti-podoplanin (lymphatic endothelium). The number of positive pixels per square micrometre was calculated. RESULTS One patient was excluded because of Clamydia trachomatis, and two controls were excluded because of endometriosis observed during their laparoscopy. Vaginal health was impaired in primary SS. CD45+ cells were increased in vaginal biopsies of women with primary SS compared with controls. Infiltrates were predominantly located in the peri-epithelial region, and mostly consisted of CD3+ lymphocytes. In the endocervix, CD45+ infiltrates were present in patients and in controls, but a higher number of B lymphocytes was seen in primary SS. Vascular smooth muscle cells were decreased in the vagina of primary SS patients. No differences were found in leucocyte subsets in the vaginal and endocervical lumen. CXCL10 was increased in endocervical swab samples of primary SS patients. CONCLUSION Women with primary SS show impaired vaginal health and increased lymphocytic infiltration in the vagina compared with controls. Vaginal dryness in primary SS might be caused by vascular dysfunction, possibly induced by IFN-mediated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien F van Nimwegen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin van der Tuuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia C Liefers
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gwenny M Verstappen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annie Visser
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robin F Wijnsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Vissink
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Hollema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marian J E Mourits
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Kroese
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Restoux LJ, Dasariraju SR, Ackerman IN, Van Doornum S, Romero L, Briggs AM. Systematic Review of the Impact of Inflammatory Arthritis on Intimate Relationships and Sexual Function. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2020; 72:41-62. [PMID: 30941870 DOI: 10.1002/acr.23857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review evidence of the impact of inflammatory arthritis on, or association of inflammatory arthritis with, intimate relationships and sexual function. METHODS Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Embase, and EBSCO CINAHL databases were searched. Two independent reviewers selected articles, extracted data, and conducted manual searches of reference lists from included studies and previous reviews. The quality of evidence was assessed using standard risk-of-bias tools. RESULTS Fifty-five eligible studies were reviewed. Of these, 49 (89%) were quantitative, 5 (9.1%) were qualitative, and 1 (1.8%) used a mixed-method design. Few quantitative studies were rated as low risk of bias (n = 7 [14%]), many were rated as moderate (n = 37 [74%]) or high risk (n = 6 [12%]). Quantitative study sample sizes ranged from 10 to 1,272 participants, with a reported age range 32-63 years. Qualitative study sample sizes ranged from 8 to 57 participants, with a reported age range 20-69 years. In studies reporting the Female Sexual Function Index, all inflammatory arthritis groups demonstrated mean scores ≤26.55 (range of mean ± SD scores: 14.2 ± 7.8 to 25.7 ± 4.7), indicating sexual dysfunction. In studies reporting the International Index of Erectile Function, all inflammatory arthritis groups reported mean scores ≤25 (range of mean ± SD scores: 16.0 ± 5.3 to 23.8 ± 7.0), indicating erectile dysfunction. Key qualitative themes were impaired sexual function and compromised intimate relationships; prominent subthemes included inflammatory arthritis-related pain and fatigue, erectile dysfunction, diminished sexual desire, and sexual function fluctuations according to disease activity. CONCLUSION Sexual dysfunction appears highly prevalent among men and women with inflammatory arthritis, and increased clinician awareness of this impairment may guide provision of tailored education and support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Romero
- Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Piccioni MG, Merlino L, Deroma M, Del Prete F, Tabacco S, Monti M, Benedetti Panici P. The impact of primary Sjogren's syndrome on female sexual function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 72:50-54. [DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.20.04494-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Cui Y, Li L, Yin R, Zhao Q, Chen S, Zhang Q, Shen B. Depression in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2017. [PMID: 28621153 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1339895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Cui
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Nursing School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lin Li
- Nursing School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rulan Yin
- Nursing School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Nursing School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shengnan Chen
- Nursing School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | | | - Biyu Shen
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Al-Ezzi MY, Pathak N, Tappuni AR, Khan KS. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome impact on smell, taste, sexuality and quality of life in female patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mod Rheumatol 2016; 27:623-629. [DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2016.1249538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Minan Y. Al-Ezzi
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Neha Pathak
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Anwar R. Tappuni
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Khalid S. Khan
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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