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Collagen disease: the enemy within
1Columbia University, Saint Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York 10019, USA.
International Journal of Fertility and Women'S Medicine
|December 24, 1998
Summary
Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, particularly during childbearing years, suggesting a link with the hypothalamic-gonadal axis and immune system. Management strategies are reviewed, including immunosuppression and novel therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women of childbearing age.
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, scleroderma, and vasculitides are more common in women.
- These diseases share gender prevalence and autoantibody manifestations but lack a unifying link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases prevalent in women.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges and mimicry of early presentations.
- To explore related conditions and current/experimental management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of autoimmune disease etiopathogenesis.
- Discussion of diagnostic difficulties and differential diagnoses.
- Overview of immunosuppressive therapies and novel agents like DHEA and IVIG.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests interaction between the hypothalamic-gonadal axis and the immune system in autoimmune disease development.
- Associated conditions such as migraine, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia are noted.
- Current and experimental treatments including steroids, cytotoxic agents, DHEA, and IVIG are considered.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune diseases in women are complex, influenced by hormonal and immune interactions.
- Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to varied presentations.
- Management involves immunosuppression and emerging therapeutic options.