Beyond dry eye: the greater extent of Sjögren's systemic disease symptoms, the impact of COVID-19 and perceptions towards telemedicine identified through a patient co-designed study

Background: Sjögren's (‘SHOW-grins’) is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease characterised by dry eyes and dry mouth, secondary to reduced exocrine function of both the lacrimal and salivary glands. The persistent, severe and serious systemic complications of Sjögren's are poorly understood and often unappreciated, resulting in significant morbidity and treatment burden. This study aimed to explore the experiences of those living with Sjögren's, specifically access to healthcare and attitude towards telemedicine. Additionally, we sought to collect information regarding the impact of the pandemic on their quality of life (QoL).

Methods: One hundred and ninety-four individuals attended an Irish Sjögren's Webinar. Attendees were invited to participate in two online surveys after the webinar. The first survey gathered information related to demographics, disease and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of bespoke items and validated questionnaires (EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index [ESSPRI], COVID-19 Impact on Quality of Life [COV19-QoL]) was used. The second survey consisted of a shortened Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. Both were prepared in collaboration with a patient advocate.

Results: Survey 1: n = 76; response rate = 39.2%. Thirty-one respondents (41.4%) to survey 1 reported a delay of ≥5 years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Dry mouth was the most common symptom experienced (76.8%, n = 63), followed by dry eye (74.4%, n = 61), fatigue (57.3%, n = 47) and joint pain (53.7%, n = 44), but a range of other symptoms were also reported. COV19-QoL results indicated that the pandemic had a detrimental effect on participants' overall QoL (4.0 ± 1.0) and physical health (4.0 ± 0.8) in particular. COV19-QoL and ESSPRI scores were moderately correlated (0.36, p = .002). Over 70% of respondents had a medical appointment cancelled, delayed or rescheduled (n = 60). Survey 2: n = 57; response rate = 29.4%. Those that had interacted with telemedicine reported largely positive experiences with the virtual model.

Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the range of symptoms experienced by patients with Sjögren's beyond those of sicca (dry eye and dry mouth) and fatigue. COVID-19 has negatively influenced the self-reported health and well-being of those with Sjögren's, particularly those with higher symptom scores. It is vital that optimised telemedicine models are implemented to ensure continuity in the provision of healthcare for those with chronic illness such as Sjögren's and in preparation for possible future pandemics.