Abstract:

The disease "Sjögren syndrome" has been widely known as a "syndrome" for a long time. However, this nomenclature and its classification as "primary" and "secondary" have raised debates in recent years. The word "syndrome" denotes an aggregate of symptoms and signs that are associated with a morbid process, independent of pathogenesis. It is now well recognized that "Sjögren syndrome" is an independent systemic autoimmune disease with specific clinical manifestations, serological markers and associated underlying pathogenesis mechanisms. Thus, the use of "syndrome" to designate this disease is not accurate. Furthermore, the traditional distinction between "primary" and "secondary" forms fails to account for the complex interplay between overlapping autoimmune diseases. Based on this background, the International Task Force on Nomenclature of Sjögren disease was established with the aim to develop a rational consensus on the nomenclature of Sjögren syndrome. Following the literature review and collecting experiences from both international professionals as well as patients, the International Task Force on Nomenclature of Sjögren disease published the "2023 International Rome Consensus for the Nomenclature of Sjögren disease" in 2025. The consensus issued five recommendations, officially recommended the use of "Sjögren disease" as nomenclature for this disease, and the acronym "SjD" be used for its abbreviation. It also recommended the descriptor "associated" should be used in lieu of "secondary" for Sjögren disease occurring in association with a second systemic autoimmune disease. The change from "Sjögren syndrome" to "Sjögren disease" improved clarity in both clinical practice and research, highlighted the distinct pathogenesis of this disorder.

Key words: Sjögren syndrome, Sjögren disease, Change