Chronic Autoimmune Epithelitis

Epithelial tissue does not spring to mind as an obvious source of autoimmune phenomena. Yet, genetic predisposition and influence of various environmental and epigenetic factors may lead to epithelium becoming a springboard for the development of autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, or IgG4-related diseases. This book is intended as an introduction to the problem of “autoimmune epithelitis” and diseases closely related to the immune disturbances of the epithelium, with special emphasis on those affecting exocrine glands. Both theoretical and practical knowledge, presented by authors from a wide range of medical specialties, should be of help for medical professionals who have to deal with this difficult problem in their daily practice.

Epithelial tissue does not spring to mind as an obvious source of autoimmune phenomena. Yet, genetic predisposition and influence of various environmental and epigenetic factors may lead to epithelium becoming a springboard for the development of autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, or IgG4-related diseases. This book is intended as an introduction to the problem of “autoimmune epithelitis” and diseases closely related to the immune disturbances of the epithelium, with special emphasis on those affecting exocrine glands. Both theoretical and practical knowledge, presented by authors from a wide range of medical specialties, should be of help for medical professionals who have to deal with this difficult problem in their daily practice.

This book represents the proceedings of a conference, Rheumaderm, that was held in December 1997. The meeting was a dialogue between the specialties of Rheumatology and Dermatology, exploring and discussing areas of common interest. The aim was to present problems common to both specialties, thereby emphasising the team approach to such problems and helping to combine various skills.

Dermatology is a specialty in the field of medicine which constantly changes at a vast rate. Alongside technology, new drugs, methods and treatments are continuously developed for the treatment of all common skin diseases. The first edition of the European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments received an overwhelming response from dermatovenereologists all over Europe. Its easy-to-read format, which is also used for this 2nd edition, is aimed at helping the physician to obtain comprehensive information at a glance. The three main sections listed alphabetically define the different diseases, the drugs available and the various methods of treatment used in dermatological practice. Each chapter begins with a brief section of the aetiology and pathogenesis of the skin disease, and leads into the description of the clinical characteristics, the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis. Followed by a detailed discussion on treatment methods, alternative methods are covered as well. Each section ends with a reference list for further reading. This new edition provides an excellent update including the newest developments of drugs, methods and treatments in dermatological practice, maintaining the clear structure and well-proven format. It is a very comprehensive and practical guide and should not be missed by those treating patients with skin diseases.

According to the Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee (ADCC), between 14.7 and 23.5 million people in the USA – up to eight percent of the population are affected by autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are a family of more than 100 chronic, and often disabling, illnesses that develop when underlying defects in the immune system lead the body to attack its own organs, tissues, and cells. In Handbook of Autoimmune Disease, the editors have gathered in a comprehensive handbook a critical review, by renowned experts, of more than 100 autoimmune diseases, divided into two main groups, namely systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. A contemporary overview of these conditions with special emphasis on diagnosis is presented. Each chapter contains the essential information required by attending physicians as well as bench scientists to understand the definition of a specific autoimmune disease, the diagnostic criteria, and the treatment.

The Autoimmune Diseases comprehensively describes the clinical expressions of all known autoimmune diseases, as well as the experimental bases of autoimmunity and failure of tolerance. The scientific chapters include mechanisms of natural tolerance, the genetic basis of autoimmunity, the significance of apoptosis, the influence of cytokines, environmental influences, and experimental models. The clinical chapters cover autoimmune endocrine deficiencies, insulin-dependent diabetes, rheumatic disorders, neurological diseases, and diseases of the blood, skin, eye, kidney, and liver.

Infection and Autoimmunity encompasses the different mechanisms involved in the infection-autoimmunity association/induction. Special attention is given to heat shock proteins (HSPs) and to transgenic mouse models to better understand infection-induced autoimmunity. Organized into six parts, this book first discusses the mechanisms of autoimmune induction by infection. Some chapters follow discussing the vaccination and vaccines, including the controversial issue of vaccine-autoimmunity relationship. Other chapters elucidate the relationship of bacteria and parasites to autoimmunity. Lastly, the aspects of infections and diseases are described. This reference material will help readers gain a deeper insight into the important etiological aspects of autoimmunity. The only book directed at the interactions between infectious agents and autoimmunity Describes the prevalence and incidence of the global issues and current therapeutic approaches Presents the measures for infection control Completely updated, with new chapters One-stop reference with easy access to topics

In this issue of Clinics in Liver Disease, guest editor Dr. David E. Bernstein brings his considerable expertise to the topic of Autoimmune Hepatitis Including PBC and PSC. The three main immune disorders that involve the liver are AIH, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. As these autoimmune diseases can share symptoms, it is important for the hepatologist to have clinical knowledge of each and understand their differences and similarities. This issue addresses these variants and provides the reader with important information relating to pathology, diagnosis, and treatment. Contains 15 relevant, practice-oriented topics including autoimmune hepatitis: epidemiology, subtypes, and presentation; diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis; treatment of autoimmune hepatitis including transplant; diagnostic tests in primary sclerosing cholangitis: serology, elastography, imaging; post-transplant management and complications of AIH, PBC, and PSC, including disease recurrence; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on autoimmune hepatitis, including PBC and PSC, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.