Antiphospholipid syndrome is an auto-immune disorder characterised by recurrent thrombosis, pregnancy losses and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Although it was initially considered an auto-immune coagulopathy, it is now clear…
Inflammatory myopathies are chronic, immune-mediated diseases characterised by progressive proximal muscle weakness. They encompass a variety of syndromes with protean manifestations. The diagnosis is based on Bohan and Peter’s classification…
The existence of systemic autoimmune diseases not fulfilling classification criteria for defined connective tissue diseases (CTDs) is a common clinical experience. These conditions have been variably defined as incomplete lupus…
The most common clinical manifestations of mixed connective disease are Raynaud’s phenomenon, arthralgias, swollen joints, esophageal dysfunction, muscle weakness and fingers sausage-like appearance together with the presence of anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP)…
Successful pregnancy is considered a Th1–Th2 cooperation phenomenon (Th, T-helper), with a predominantly Th2-type lymphocytes response, together with the emerging role of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15 and IL-18 and of other…
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease with a variable clinical course and a poor prognosis corresponding to extent of microangiopathy and skin and internal organ fibrosis. Microvascular damage provokes…
The immune system must be able to discriminate between self and non-self. However, mechanisms of doing so sometimes fail, causing the activation and clonal expansion of autoreactive lymphocytes and the…
The development of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases is believed to involve interactions between genes, hormones and the environment and was labelled in 1989 as ‘the mosaic of autoimmunity’. This complex…
Burdens and trends Injury/trauma from all causes kills 5.8 million per year globally, accounting for 10% of the world’s deaths. This is 32% more than the number of deaths from…
Spinal disorders and especially back and neck pain affect more people and have greater impact on work capacity and health-care costs than any other musculoskeletal condition. One of the difficulties…
