This is the lay version of the EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adults with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (often shortened to AIIRD). The original publication can be downloaded from the EULAR website: www.eular.org. Furer V, et al. 2019 Update of EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2020 […]
Category: Autoimmune disease
Family link between autoimmune disease and congenital heart block
Increased risk of autoimmune disease in people with congenital heart block is shared by their siblings. Introduction Complete congenital heart block without an associated malformation of the heart is a rare condition, affecting only 1 in every 23,000 births in the general population. People with congenital heart block are more likely to get cardiovascular diseases, […]
Cellular therapies offer hope in autoimmune disease
The ideal treatment for autoimmunity would be one that can induce self-tolerance before damage has occurred. Introduction Autoimmune disease occurs when a person’s immune system attacks itself, the body’s own cells and tissues. There are many different types of autoimmune disease that can happen as a result –including rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. At the moment, […]
Women’s health in lupus and APS
This is the lay version of the EULAR recommendations for the management of women’s health and family planning in women with lupus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome. The original publication details the recommendations on use of medications, clinical focus points and treatment options. It can be downloaded from the EULAR website: www.eular.org. Andreoli L, et al. EULAR […]
Familial Mediterranean fever
This is the lay version of the EULAR recommendations for people with familial Mediterranean fever. The original publication can be downloaded from the EULAR website: www.eular.org. Ozen S, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of familial Mediterranean fever. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 75:644–651. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208690 Introduction Recommendations give advice to doctors and patients about the […]
Some cancer drugs may cause people to develop autoimmune disease
As immunotherapies are increasingly used for a range of cancers, new cases of rheumatic disease are likely to emerge. INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a group of medicines used to treat some cancers. They work with a person’s immune system to fight the cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors include drugs called nivolumab (also known by its […]
Skin sclerosis and digital ulcers develop quickly in people with early systemic sclerosis
People with early systemic sclerosis may quickly develop skin sclerosis and digital ulcers. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a rare but serious disease of the connective tissues, where the tissue grows abnormally and triggers the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening (fibrosis) and swelling of the skin, as well as joint pain, […]
New drug atacicept may help to prevent SLE flares
High-dose atacicept prevented disease flares, although there were some safety concerns. INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease. It typically starts in women between the ages of 15 and 45, but can affect both genders. The cause of SLE is not known, and symptoms can vary from patient […]
