Related Experiment Videos
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases in women
1William S. Middleton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53705, USA. aaschuna@facstaff.wisc.edu
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Washington, D.C. : 1996)
|August 2, 2002
Summary
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are more common in women, particularly during reproductive years. Management focuses on symptoms, with crucial considerations for pregnancy due to medication contraindications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Autoimmune rheumatic diseases disproportionately affect women.
- These conditions often emerge during women's reproductive years.
- The etiology involves potential influences of sex hormones and microchimerism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key aspects of four autoimmune rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
- To highlight presenting symptoms, potential complications, and available treatment strategies.
- To address specific reproductive health considerations for women diagnosed with these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE and OVID databases.
- Keywords included "women" or "female" combined with specific autoimmune diseases.
- Review of reference lists from retrieved articles.
Main Results:
- Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more prevalent in women, with onset often during reproductive age.
- Clinical presentations vary widely, from localized to systemic, and mild to severe.
- No cure exists; treatment aims at symptom management, with many drugs posing risks during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding disease presentation, treatment, and reproductive implications is vital for healthcare providers.
- Pharmacists play a key role in counseling women on managing these conditions during their childbearing years.