Dexamethasone Irrigation of the Parotid Glands in Primary Sj(SqrRoot)(Delta)Gren s Syndrome Subjects

• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Female gender and age 18 and greater.
• Diagnosed with primary SS in Protocol 84-D-0056.
• Stimulated salivary flow of at least 0.01 mL/min from each parotid gland, using the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch (MPTB) Sjogren s Syndrome Clinic
• Minor salivary gland biopsy with a focus score of greater than or equal to 1 obtained 0 to 7 years prior to study enrollment. Biopsies from outside of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) must be reviewed by the NIH Pathology Department. An MSG biopsy will be required for the following situations:
• The last biopsy was obtained before the use of rituximab.
• The last biopsy was obtained before the use of immunosuppressants, biologics, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for more than 3 months.
• The last biopsy was obtained before the use of systemic corticosteroids (for more than 2 weeks or for shorter periods at doses of more than 0.5 mg/kg) or local parotid corticosteroids. The use of topical or intra-articular/periarticular corticosteroids will not require a repeat biopsy.
• For women of childbearing potential, use of, or willingness to use, an effective method of birth control during the study. Effective methods include abstinence, history of hysterectomy, tubal ligation, intrauterine device, licensed hormonal methods, condoms, diaphragm, and cervical cap.
• Ability to provide written informed consent prior to entry in the study.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• History of lymphoma.
• History of mycosis, aspergillosis, or other deep fungal infection of the parotid gland.
• History of salivary gland malignancy (primary or metastatic to the salivary gland).
• History of secondary Sj(SqrRoot)(Delta)gren s syndrome.
• Parotid infection that does not resolve at least 4 weeks before the start of the Screening Period.
• Any active viral infection that does not resolve by the start of the Screening Period.
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• Use of biologics within 3 months of the start of the Screening Period.
• Any experimental therapy within 3 months before the start of the Screening Period.
• Use of immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, systemic cyclosporine, or systemic corticosteroids within 3 months prior to the start of the Screening Period.
• Use of inhaled corticosteroids within 3 months prior to the start of the Screening Period.
• Use of antimalarials and regular use of NSAIDs unless the dose has been stable (or decreased) for at least 2 months.
• Inability to discontinue the use of saliva stimulants such as pilocarpine and cevimeline for 24 hours before each study visit.
• Parotid intraductal irrigation or instillation with steroids within the past year.
• Use of rituximab within 6 months prior to the start of the Screening Period.
• Allergy to steroids or technetium, or any components of the formulations.
• Current use of warfarin or heparin.
• History of bleeding disorder.
• Both severe atrophy and fibrosis of the MSG noted on the pathology report of the MSG biopsy.
• Inability to comply with protocol procedures and the number of required visits.
• Inability to cannulate one or both parotid glands.
• Parotid fill volume less than 0.5 mL in one or both parotid glands.
• Significant concurrent medical condition or other circumstances that, in the opinion of the principal investigator, could affect the subject s ability to tolerate or complete the study.
• Unable to understand written English for completion of study questionnaires.