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36.2 Other immunologic diseases

 

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Rheumatoid arthritis

Multiple sclerosis

Type I Diabetes Mellitus

Inflammatory bowel disease

36.2.1  Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

It is an autoimmune condition mostly affecting women. Common signs are body rashes, arthritis, haemolytic anemia, and CNS involvement. Presence of antinuclear antibodies (antibodies against double-stranded native DNA) is typical for systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex disease condition where genetic and environment contributes to the outcome.

36.2.2  Rheumatoid arthritis

It is an inflammatory condition of joints, shoulders, elbows, fingers etc. Synovitis (inflammation of synovial membrane) occurs due to the immune response contributed both by cell mediated and humoral mediated immunity. Inflamed synovial fluid contains activated B-cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Presence of cytokines in synovial fluid is seen that causes destruction of cartilage ligaments and tendons. Cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) are the antibodies that help in the diagnosis of the disease as they are typical for this condition. As role of cytokines and T-cells in this disease has been well established, specific molecules are being marked for this condition. Various therapeutic approaches are on the way but IL-1 antagonist and an antibody against the IL-6 receptor is the treatment of choice so far.