Clinical Trials
Other Research Studies
Sjögren’s Team for Accelerating Medicines Partnership (STAMP)
What is the goal of this study?
Our team is using powerful, cutting edge technologies to gain new insight into a variety of autoimmune diseases. The goal of this study is to identify and understand genetic factors that contribute to Sjögren’s disease. This research will provide valuable knowledge about Sjögren’s disease that is likely to facilitate development of better treatments.
Who is conducting the study?
The Sjögren’s Team for Accelerating Medicines Partnership (STAMP) has expertise in rheumatology, oral medicine, ophthalmology, autoimmunity, genetics. The Accelerating Medicines Partnership is a collaboration between government (NIH), private industry, and the Sjögren’s Foundation.
Who is eligible for the study?
- Individuals who have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease
- Individuals with clinical symptoms strongly suggestive of Sjögren’s disease
- Individuals who have participated in the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) study, or in the OMRF Sjögren’s study between 2004 and 2012
What does participation in the Sjögren’s study involve?
- Complete a health history questionnaire
- Participate in a half-day clinical evaluation to assess the extent of oral, ocular, and rheumatological manifestations of Sjögren’s disease. This will include measurement of saliva output, collection of saliva, tears, blood, and minor salivary glands from lower lip
- Authorize researchers to collect medical records of Sjögren’s disease patients that relate to their diagnoses and treatment
How do I become involved?
Reach out to one of our research coordinators:
Susan Robinson
srobin95@jhmi.edu
P: 410-550-6492
Freena Chaudhry, MS
fchaudh4@jhu.edu
P: 410-550-9821
Sjögren’s Syndrome Screening Dry Eye Study (SSDE Study)
- PI: Dr. Alan Baer
- Co-Investigator: Dr. Esen Akpek
Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands and other organs along with systemic production of autoantibodies. The involvement of salivary and lacrimal glands leads to progressive decreases in the quantity and quality of saliva and tears and impaired quality of life. Local treatment of the dry eyes and mouth can prevent complications, but does not appear to alter the course of the disease. Early diagnosis and implementation are critical in improving patients’ quality of life and treating complications.
Patients often first present to ophthalmologist with complaints of dry eye, and as a result ophthalmologists are in a unique position to screen patients for possible Sjögren’s syndrome. However, currently there are no evidence-based screening tools for ophthalmologists to use to identify patients with a high likelihood of having Sjögren’s syndrome. The central hypothesis of this research is that using a screening algorithm comprised of a combination of questionnaire responses, autoantibody tests and standard dry eye exam findings will stratify dry eye patients into those having high, medium or low likelihood of having Sjögren’s syndrome.
How do I become involved?
Michael Lin
Research Assistant for Dr. Esen Akpek
mlin60@jhu.edu
P: 410-522-5214
If you have questions about any of the research being done at the center, please contact:
Susan Robinson
srobin95@jhmi.edu
P: 410-550-6492
Freena Chaudhry, MS
fchaudh4@jhu.edu
P: 410-550-9821
