Farenhorst, C. (Claudette Aimée) (2021) Determinants of vaginal dryness in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a symptom with a multifactorial pathogenesis. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: The majority of women with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) suffer from vaginal dryness. Even so, the pathogenesis of vaginal dryness in pSS remains unclear. Previous studies suggested that vascular dysfunction might play a role in the pathogenesis. This study aimed to find clinical and laboratory parameters associated with vaginal dryness, with emphasis on vascular dysfunction. Methods: Clinical and laboratory parameters were correlated to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score for vaginal dryness. Significantly correlated variables were corrected for confounders and entered in a multivariate linear regression model. Data were obtained from consecutive patients enrolled in the Registry of Sjögren Syndrome in Umcg – LongiTudinal (RESULT) Cohort. Data concerning vascular and neurological biomarkers were obtained in a subgroup of patients by performing a multiplex immunoassay. Results: This study included 212 women with pSS. Vaginal dryness correlated significantly with age, postmenopausal status, hypertension, ocular dryness, oral dryness and long-lasting and stable peripheral neuropathy. Ocular dryness, oral dryness and long-lasting and stable peripheral neuropathy were independent predictors of vaginal dryness. The presence of Raynaud’s phenomenon and serum levels of biomarkers associated with vascular dysfunction were not correlated to vaginal dryness. Conclusion: This study shows that vaginal dryness in pSS likely has a multifactorial pathogenesis. Vaginal dryness and oral and ocular dryness might have a similar pathophysiology. Peripheral neuropathy likely plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of vaginal dryness in pSS. This study could not show a direct relationship between vascular dysfunction and vaginal dryness in women with pSS.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Kroese, prof. dr. F.G.M. and Verstappen, dr. G. (Gwenny) |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Jan 2022 11:20 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Jan 2022 11:20 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2925 |
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