Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases represent a family of at least 80 illnesses that share a common pathogenesis, namely an immune-mediated attack by the body on its own organs, tissues, and cells. They can affect any site in the body and so their clinical manifestations are highly variable. While most of these diseases individually are rare, collectively they are among the most common diseases in industrialized societies. They represent increasing threats to public health around the world because their prevalence is rising in developing as well as more developed countries. The disease is often disabling, leading to loss of organ function and decreased productivity, requiring extensive care. Since cures are not available for any of the autoimmune diseases and most are unremitting, patients may face a lifetime of debilitating illness and costly treatment. Because most of the autoimmune diseases disproportionately afflict women, particularly in their childbearing years, they impose an especially heavy burden on families and on society generally as well as on patients themselves. © 2008