SJOGREN'S SYNDROME - An immunologic disorder characterized by progressive destruction of the exocrine glands (sweat glands, lacrimal glands, and salivary glands). Patients complain of dry eyes, dry mouth, persistent cough (dry airways), and lack of saliva. Approximately 30% also have rheumatoid arthritis. Kidney involvement (kidney dysfunction) is seen in 40% of patients. Sjogren's affects predominately females in their thirties to forties. The lungs, peripheral nerves, blood vessels (vasculitis), and thyroid gland (causing hypothyroidism) may also be affected. Sjogren's may be seen in association with other rheumatologic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. Some women with primary biliary cirrhosis may also have Sjogren's syndrome. Testing for antinuclear antibodies is typically positive