Autoimmune diseases associated with drugs, chemicals and environmental factors

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are complex multisystems and may be life threatening. Their aetiology is unknown but genetic, hormonal and environmental factors are important. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), factors such as UV light and drugs, including oestrogen, may trigger the disease; silica exposure may also be important. Scleroderma is associated with silica exposure and drugs such as bleomycin and pentazocine may induce scleroderma-like diseases. Organic solvents such as vinyl chloride and epoxy resins may also be associated with scleroderma-like illnesses. The toxic oil syndrome and eosinophila-myalgia syndrome are best known examples of connective tissue diseases induced by chemical exposure. The systemic vasculitides and in particular cutaneous vasculitis may be induced by drugs and possibly environmental factors. A number of autoimmune connective tissue diseases may therefore be associated with exposure to drugs, chemicals and environmental factors and the risks associated with these should be minimised where possible.