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…
The inflammatory arthritides are a diverse group of conditions characterised by joint inflammation which can lead to pain, deformity and disability. Of these diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis are…
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are among the leading reasons why patients consult a family or primary health practitioner, take time off work and become disabled. Many of the MSK disorders are…
Musculoskeletal conditions are common in men and women of all ages across all socio-demographic strata of society. They are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability…
