Venus Williams Pulls Out of US Open Due to Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome: Venus Williams Diagnosed with Autoimmune Disease

Venus Williams has pulled out of the 2011 US Open. Williams has been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that targets the body's moisture-producing glands.

In a statement, Venus Williams wrote, "I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon."

• Complete 2011 US Open Schedule
  

Sjögren’s Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome (pronounced /SHOW-grins/) include:

• Dry eyes and mouth
• Joint pain
• chronic fatigue
• persistent dry cough
  

While Sjögren’s syndrome can be treated, there is no cure. At 31 years old, Venus Williams is relatively young to be diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome: most sufferers are over 40. Also, nine tenths of those diagnosed are women, with no ethnic group overly represented.Up to four million Americans suffer from Sjögren’s syndrome.

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Venus WIlliams at 2011 US Open

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