Autoimmune diseases affecting the joints. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Who suffers from autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, according to various sources, affect approximately 8 to 13% of the population of developed countries, and women most often suffer from these diseases. Autoimmune diseases are among the top 10 leading causes of death in women under the age of 65. The branch of medicine that studies the work of the immune system and its disorders (immunology) is still in the process of development, as doctors and researchers learn more about failures and shortcomings in the work of the body's natural defense system only if it malfunctions.

Our bodies have an immune system, which is a complex network of special cells and organs that protect the body from germs, viruses, and other pathogens. The immune system is based on a mechanism that is able to distinguish the body's own tissues from foreign ones. Damage to the body can trigger a malfunction in the immune system, as a result of which it becomes unable to distinguish between its own tissues and foreign pathogens. When this happens, the body produces autoantibodies that attack normal cells by mistake. At the same time, special cells called regulatory T-lymphocytes are unable to do their job of maintaining the immune system. The result is an erroneous attack on the tissues of your organs. own body. This causes autoimmune processes that can affect different parts of the body, causing all sorts of types of autoimmune diseases, of which there are more than 80.

How common are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. However, some autoimmune diseases are rare, while others, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, affect many people.

Who suffers from autoimmune diseases?

Anyone can develop autoimmune diseases, but the following groups of people are at increased risk of developing these diseases:

• Women of childbearing age. Women are much more likely than men to suffer from autoimmune diseases, which often begin during childbearing years.
• People with a family history of the disease. Some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, can be inherited from parents to children. Also often common can be the appearance in the same family various kinds autoimmune diseases. Heredity is a risk factor for developing these diseases in people whose ancestors suffered from some type of autoimmune disease, and the combination of genes and factors that can trigger the development of the disease further increases the risk.
• People exposed to certain factors. Certain events or environmental exposures can trigger some autoimmune diseases or make them worse. Sunlight, chemical substances(solvents), as well as viral and bacterial infections can trigger the development of many autoimmune diseases.
• People of certain races or ethnic groups. Some autoimmune diseases are more common or affect certain groups of people more severely than others. For example, type 1 diabetes is more common in white people. Systemic lupus erythematosus is most severe in African Americans and Hispanics.

Types of Autoimmune Diseases and Their Symptoms

The autoimmune diseases listed below are either more common in women than men, or occur in many women and men at about the same rate.

And while each disease is unique, they can have similar symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, and mild fever. The symptoms of many autoimmune diseases can come and go, and be mild to severe form. When the symptoms go away for a while, this is called remission, after which there may be sudden and severe flare-ups of symptoms.

Alopecia areata

The immune system attacks hair follicles(the structures from which hair grows). This disease is usually not a health hazard, but it can greatly affect a person's appearance and self-esteem. Symptoms of this autoimmune disease include:

• patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or other areas of your body

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes problems with the inner lining blood vessels resulting in the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the arteries or veins. Antiphospholipid syndrome can lead to the following symptoms:

• formation of blood clots in veins and arteries
• multiple miscarriages
• lacy mesh red rash on wrists and knees

autoimmune hepatitis

The immune system attacks and destroys liver cells. This can lead to scarring and lumps in the liver and, in some cases, to liver failure. Autoimmune hepatitis causes the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• liver enlargement
• pruritus
• joint pain
• stomach pain or indigestion

Celiac disease (gluten enteropathy)

This autoimmune disease is characterized by an intolerance to gluten (gluten), a substance found in wheat, rye and barley, as well as some medicines. When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, the immune system reacts to mucosal damage. small intestine. Symptoms of celiac disease include:

• bloating and pain
• diarrhea or constipation
• weight loss or gain
• fatigue
• failures in menstrual cycle
• skin rash and itching
• infertility or miscarriage

Type 1 diabetes

This autoimmune disease is characterized by your immune system attacking the cells that make insulin, a hormone needed to control blood sugar levels. As a result, your body cannot produce insulin, without which too much sugar is left in the blood. Too much high level blood sugar can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums and teeth. But the most serious problem associated with diabetes is heart disease. In type 1 diabetes, patients may experience the following symptoms:

• excessive thirst
• frequent urge to urinate
• strong feeling of hunger
• severe fatigue
• weight loss for no apparent reason
• slow healing wounds
• dry, itchy skin
• decreased sensation in the legs
• tingling in the legs
• blurry vision

Basedow's disease (Graves' disease)

This autoimmune disease causes the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. Symptoms of Basedow's disease include:

• insomnia
• irritability
• weight loss
• heat sensitivity
• increased sweating
• thin brittle hair
• muscle weakness
• irregularities in the menstrual cycle
• bulging eyes
• shaking hands
• sometimes there are no symptoms

Guillain-Barré syndrome

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. Nerve damage makes signaling difficult. Among the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a person may experience the following:

• weakness or tingling in the legs, which may spread to the upper body
• in severe cases, paralysis may occur

Symptoms often progress relatively quickly, over days or weeks, and often affect both sides of the body.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease)

A disease that damages the thyroid gland, causing it to become unable to produce enough hormones. Symptoms and signs of autoimmune thyroiditis include:

• fatigue
• weakness
• overweight (obesity)
• sensitivity to cold
• muscle pain
• joint stiffness
• swelling of the face
• constipation

Hemolytic anemia

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys red blood cells. In this case, the body is not able to produce new red blood cells quickly enough to meet the needs of the body. As a result, your body doesn't get the oxygen it needs to function properly, which puts more stress on the heart as it has to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Hemolytic anemia causes the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• dyspnea
• dizziness
• cold hands or feet
• pallor
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• heart problems, including heart failure

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Werlhof's disease)

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys platelets needed for blood clotting. Among the symptoms of this disease, a person may experience the following:

• very heavy menstruation
• tiny purple or red dots on the skin that may look like a rash
• minor bruising
• bleeding from the nose or mouth

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

This autoimmune disease causes chronic inflammation gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of IBD. Symptoms of IBD include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea (may be bloody)

Some people also experience the following symptoms:

• rectal bleeding
• increase in body temperature
• weight loss
• fatigue
• mouth ulcers (in Crohn's disease)
• painful or difficult bowel movements (with ulcerative colitis)

Inflammatory myopathies

This is a group of diseases that cause muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are more common in women than in men. Inflammatory myopathies can cause the following symptoms:

• Slowly progressive muscle weakness, starting in the muscles of the lower body. Polymyositis affects the muscles that control movement on both sides of the body. Dermatomyositis causes a skin rash that may be accompanied by muscle weakness.

You may also experience the following symptoms:

• fatigue after walking or standing
• trips or falls
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves. Damage is done to the brain and spinal cord. A person with MS may experience the following symptoms:

• weakness and problems with coordination, balance, speech, and walking
• paralysis
• shivering (tremor)
• numbness and tingling in the limbs
• symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of each attack

myasthenia gravis

A disease in which the immune system attacks nerves and muscles throughout the body. A person with myasthenia gravis experiences the following symptoms:

• double vision, trouble focusing, and drooping eyelids
• trouble swallowing, with frequent belching or choking
• weakness or paralysis
• muscles work better after rest
• head holding problems
• trouble climbing stairs or lifting things
• speech problems

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)

In this autoimmune disease, the immune system slowly destroys bile ducts in the liver. Bile is a substance produced in the liver. It passes through the bile ducts to aid digestion. When the channels are destroyed by the immune system, bile accumulates in the liver and damages it. Damage to the liver hardens and leaves scars, which eventually leads to the incapacity of this organ. Symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis include:

• fatigue
• pruritus
• dry eyes and mouth
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Psoriasis

It is an autoimmune disease that causes the overgrowth and overgrowth of new skin cells, causing huge layers of skin cells to build up on the surface. skin. A person with psoriasis experiences the following symptoms:

• hard red patches on the skin covered with scales (usually appear on the head, elbows and knees)
• itching and pain, which can adversely affect a person's performance and worsen sleep

A person with psoriasis may also suffer from the following:

• A form of arthritis that often affects the joints and ends of the fingers and toes. Back pain can occur if the spine is affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is a disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints throughout the body. At rheumatoid arthritis a person may experience the following symptoms:

• soreness, stiffness, swelling and deformity of the joints
• deterioration in motor function

A person may also have the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• elevated body temperature
• weight loss
• eye inflammation
• lung disease
• neoplasms under the skin, often on the elbows
• anemia

scleroderma

It is an autoimmune disease that causes abnormal growth connective tissue in the skin and blood vessels. Symptoms of scleroderma are:

• fingers and toes become white, red, or blue due to exposure to heat and cold
• pain, stiffness, and swelling of the fingers and joints
• skin thickening
• skin looks shiny on hands and forearms
• the skin of the face is stretched like a mask
• sores on fingers or toes
• swallowing problems
• weight loss
• diarrhea or constipation
• dyspnea

Sjögren's syndrome

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the tear and salivary glands. With Sjögren's syndrome, a person may experience the following symptoms:

• dry eyes
• itchy eyes
• dry mouth, which can lead to ulceration
• swallowing problems
• loss of taste sensation
• severe dental caries
• hoarse voice
• fatigue
• joint swelling or joint pain
• swollen tonsils
• cloudy eyes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, Liebman-Sachs disease)

A disease that can cause damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body. Symptoms of SLE include:

• increase in body temperature
• weight loss
• hair loss
• mouth ulcers
• fatigue
• butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks
• rashes on other parts of the body
• painful or swollen joints and muscle pain
• sun sensitivity
• chest pain
• headache, dizziness, seizure, memory problems, or change in behavior

Vitiligo

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the pigment cells of the skin (give color to the skin). The immune system can also attack tissues in the mouth and nose. Vitiligo symptoms include:

• white patches on areas of skin exposed to the sun or on the armpits, genitals, and rectum
• early gray hair
• loss of color in the mouth

Are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Autoimmune Diseases?

Syndrome chronic fatigue(CFS) and fibromyalgia are not autoimmune diseases. But they often show signs of some autoimmune disease, such as constant fatigue and pain.

• CFS can cause extreme fatigue and loss of energy, trouble concentrating, and muscle pain. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome come and go. The cause of CFS is not known.
• Fibromyalgia is a disease in which pain or tenderness occurs in many places throughout the body. These "pressure points" are located on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs and are painful when pressed. Among other symptoms of fibromyalgia, a person may experience fatigue, trouble sleeping, and morning joint stiffness. Fibromyalgia mostly affects women of childbearing age. However, in rare cases, this disease can also develop in children, the elderly, and men. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known.

How do I know if I have an autoimmune disease?

Making a diagnosis can be a long and stressful process. While each autoimmune disease is unique, many of these diseases share similar symptoms. In addition, many of the symptoms of autoimmune diseases are very similar to other types of health problems. This makes it difficult to diagnose, where it is quite difficult for a doctor to understand whether you really suffer from an autoimmune disease, or whether it is something else. But if you are experiencing symptoms that bother you a lot, it is extremely important to find the cause of your condition. If you don't get any answers, don't give up. You can take the following steps to help figure out the cause of your symptoms:

• Write down the complete family history diseases of your family, then show it to your doctor.
• Write down all the symptoms you experience, even if they seem unrelated, and show them to your doctor.
• See a specialist who has experience with your most basic symptom. For example, if you have symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, start by visiting a gastroenterologist. If you don't know who to contact about your problem, start by visiting a therapist.

Which doctors specialize in the treatment of autoimmune diseases?

Here are some specialists who treat autoimmune diseases and related conditions:

• Nephrologist. A doctor who specializes in treating kidney disorders, such as inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. The kidneys are organs that purify the blood and produce urine.
• Rheumatologist. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases such as scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Endocrinologist. Doctor who specializes in the treatment of glands internal secretion and hormonal diseases such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
• Neurologist. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases nervous system such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.
• Hematologist. A doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders such as some forms of anemia.
• Gastroenterologist. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases digestive system, such as inflammatory diseases intestines.
• Dermatologist. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Physiotherapist. A healthcare professional who uses appropriate physical activities to help patients suffering from joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and limited body movement.
• occupational therapist. A healthcare worker who can find ways to make the patient's day-to-day activities easier despite pain and other health problems. It can teach a person new ways to manage daily activities or use special devices. He may also suggest making some changes to your home or workplace.
• Speech therapist. Health care professional who helps people with speech problems with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
• Audiologist. A healthcare professional who can help people with hearing problems, including internal ear damage associated with autoimmune diseases.
• Psychologist. A specially trained specialist who can help you find ways to manage your illness. You can work through your feelings of anger, fear, denial and frustration.

Are there drugs to treat autoimmune diseases?

There are many types of drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases. The type of medicines you need depends on what condition you have, how serious it is, and how severe your symptoms are. Treatment focuses primarily on the following:

• Relief of symptoms. Some people may use drugs to relieve minor symptoms. For example, a person may take drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen to relieve pain. With more severe symptoms a person may need prescription medications to help relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, or rashes. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to the patient.
• Replacement therapy. Some autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease, can affect the body's ability to produce substances it needs to function properly. Therefore, if the body is unable to produce certain hormones, hormone replacement therapy is recommended, during which the person takes the missing synthetic hormones. Diabetes requires insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. Synthetic thyroid hormones restore thyroid hormone levels in people with an underactive thyroid gland.
• Suppression of the immune system. Some drugs can suppress the activity of the immune system. These drugs can help control the disease process and preserve organ function. For example, these drugs are used to control inflammation in affected kidneys in people with systemic lupus erythematosus in order to keep the kidneys working. Medicines drugs used to suppress inflammation include chemotherapy, which is used for cancer, but at lower doses, and drugs taken by organ transplant patients to protect against rejection. A class of drugs called anti-TNF drugs block inflammation in some forms of autoimmune arthritis and psoriasis.

New treatments for autoimmune diseases are being explored all the time.

Are there alternative treatments for autoimmune diseases?

Many people at some point in their lives try to use some form of alternative medicine. For example, they resort to using plant origin, resort to the services of a chiropractor, use acupuncture therapy and hypnosis. I would like to point out that if you suffer from an autoimmune disease, alternative methods treatments can help relieve some of your symptoms. However, research into alternative treatments for autoimmune diseases is limited. In addition, some non-traditional medicinal products may cause health problems or interfere with other drugs from working. If you want to try alternative treatments, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor can point you to the possible benefits and risks of this kind of treatment.

I want to have a child. Can an autoimmune disease damage?

Women with autoimmune diseases can safely have children. But there may be some risks for both mother and baby, depending on the type of autoimmune disease and its severity. For example, pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus are at increased risk premature birth and stillbirth. Pregnant women with myasthenia gravis may have symptoms that lead to difficulty breathing during pregnancy. Some women experience relief of symptoms during pregnancy, while others get worse. Also, some medications used to treat autoimmune diseases are not safe to use during pregnancy.

If you want to have a baby, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Your doctor may suggest that you wait until your illness goes into remission or suggest that you change medications first.

Some women with autoimmune diseases may have trouble getting pregnant. This can happen for many reasons. Diagnosis can show if fertility problems are related, with an autoimmune disease, or for another reason. For some women with an autoimmune disease, fertility drugs can help them get pregnant.

How can I deal with outbreaks of autoimmune diseases?

Outbreaks of autoimmune diseases can occur suddenly and be very difficult to endure. You may notice that certain factors that contribute to your flare-ups, such as stress or sun exposure, can make your condition worse. Knowing these factors, you can try to avoid them while undergoing treatment, which as a result will help to prevent outbreaks or reduce their intensity. If you have an outbreak, you should contact your doctor immediately.

What else can you do to improve your condition?

If you are living with an autoimmune disease, there are things you can do every day to feel better:

• Eat healthy, well-balanced food. Make sure your diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or low-fat dairy products, and a lean source of protein. Limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and refined sugar. If you follow the plan healthy eating, you will receive all the necessary nutrients from food.
• Be physically active. But be careful not to overdo it. Talk to your doctor about what types of physical activity you can use. A gradual increase in stress and a gentle exercise program often works well for people with muscle damage and joint pain. Some types of yoga or tai chi exercises can be very helpful for you.
• Get some rest. Rest gives your body's tissues and joints the time they need to recover. Healthy sleep is an excellent aid to your body and mind. If you don't get enough sleep and are stressed out, your symptoms may worsen. When you do not sleep well, you also cannot effectively fight the disease. When you are well rested, you can better deal with your problems and reduce your risk of developing illness. Most people need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day to feel well rested.
• Reduce your stress levels. Stress and anxiety can trigger flare-ups of the symptoms of some autoimmune diseases. Therefore, using ways that can help you simplify your life and cope with daily stresses will help you feel better. Meditation, self-hypnosis, visualization, and simple relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress, control pain, and improve other aspects of life related to your illness. You can learn how to do this with the help of books, audio and video materials, or with the help of an instructor, and you can also use the stress relief methods described on this page -

Until now, they remain an unsolved mystery for modern science. Their essence lies in the counteraction of the immune cells of the body to its own cells and tissues, from which human organs are formed. The main reason for this failure are various systemic disorders in the body, as a result of which antigens are formed. A natural reaction to these processes is an increased production of leukocytes, which are responsible for devouring foreign bodies.

Classification of autoimmune diseases

Disorders caused due to a violation of the histohematic barrier (for example, if sperm enters a cavity that is not intended for it, the body will respond by producing antibodies - diffuse infiltration, encephalomyelitis, pancreatitis, endophthalmitis etc.);

The second group arises as a result of the transformation of body tissues under physical, chemical or viral influence. The cells of the body undergo deep metamorphoses, as a result of which they are perceived as alien. Sometimes in the tissues of the epidermis there is a concentration of antigens that have entered the body from the outside, or exoantigens (drugs or bacteria, viruses). The reaction of the body will be directed at them, but in this case, damage will occur to cells that retain antigenic complexes on their membranes. In some cases, interaction with viruses leads to the formation of antigens with hybrid properties, which can cause damage to the central nervous system;

The third group of autoimmune diseases is associated with the coalescence of body tissues with exoantigens, which causes a natural reaction against the affected areas;

The fourth type, most likely, is generated by genetic abnormalities or the influence of adverse environmental factors, leading to rapid mutations of immune cells (lymphocytes), manifested in the form lupus erythematosus.

Main symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Spasm of the smallest vessels of the fingers, accompanied by a change in their color as a result of exposure to low temperature or stress, clearly indicates the symptoms of an autoimmune disease called Raynaud's syndrome – scleroderma. The lesion begins in the limbs and then moves to other parts of the body and internal organs, mainly the lungs, stomach and thyroid gland.

For the first time, autoimmune diseases began to be studied in Japan. In 1912, the scientist Hashimoto gave an exhaustive description of diffuse infiltration - a disease of the thyroid gland, which results in its intoxication with thyroxin. Otherwise, this disease is called Hashimoto's disease.

Thyroiditis- inflammatory processes of the thyroid gland, which cause the formation of lymphocytes and antibodies that attack the affected tissues. The body arranges the fight against the inflamed thyroid gland.

Observations of people with various spots on the skin were made even before our era. The Ebers Papyrus describes two types of discolored spots:
1) accompanied by tumors
2) typical spots without any other manifestations.
In Russia, vitiligo was called "dog", thereby emphasizing the similarity of people suffering from this disease with dogs.
In 1842, vitiligo was isolated as a separate disease. Up to this point, it was confused with leprosy.

Multiple sclerosis - a disease of the nervous system, which is chronic in nature, in which foci of decay of the Myelin sheath of the head and spinal cord. At the same time, multiple scars are formed on the surface of the tissue of the central nervous system (CNS) - neurons are replaced by cells of the connective tissue. Around the world, about two million people suffer from this disease.

Alopecia- the disappearance or thinning of the hairline on the body as a result of its pathological loss.

Crohn's disease- Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

autoimmune hepatitis- chronic inflammatory liver disease, accompanied by the presence of autoantibodies and ᵧ-particles.

Allergy- the body's immune response to allergens that it recognizes as potentially dangerous substances. It is characterized by increased production of antibodies, which cause various allergenic manifestations on the body.

Common diseases of autoimmune origin are rheumatoid arthritis, diffuse infiltration of the thyroid gland, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, dermatomyositis, thyroiditis, vitiligo. Modern medical statistics fixes their growth rates in arithmetic order and without a downward trend.

- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- Nodular periarthritis;
- systemic lupus.

The first two diseases affect joints in various parts of the body, often accompanied by pain and inflammation of the cartilage tissue. Periarthritis destroys the arteries, systemic lupus erythematosus destroys the internal organs and manifests itself on the skin.

Future mothers belong to a special category of patients. Women are five times more likely to have autoimmune lesions than men, and most commonly appear during their reproductive years, particularly during pregnancy. The most common among pregnant women are: multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's disease, thyroiditis, thyroid disease.

Some diseases have remission during pregnancy and exacerbation in the postpartum period, while others, on the contrary, are manifested by relapse. In any case, autoimmune diseases carry an increased risk for the development of a full-fledged fetus, completely dependent on the mother's body. Timely diagnosis and treatment when planning a pregnancy will help identify all risk factors and avoid many negative consequences.

A feature of autoimmune diseases is that they occur not only in humans, but also in domestic animals, in particular in cats and dogs. The main diseases of pets include:

- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia;
- immune thrombocytopenia;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Immune polyarthritis;
- myasthenia gravis;
- Pemphigus foliaceus.

A sick animal may well die if it is not injected with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs in time to reduce the hyperresponsiveness of the immune system.

Autoimmune Complications

Autoimmune diseases associated various diseases, which caused their appearance, usually disappear along with the underlying disease.

The first to study multiple sclerosis and characterize it in his notes was the French psychiatrist Jean-Martin Charcot. A feature of the disease is indiscriminateness: it can occur both in the elderly and in the young and even in children. Multiple sclerosis affects several parts of the central nervous system at the same time, which entails the manifestation in patients various symptoms neurological nature.

Causes of the disease

probable external factors are stresses, and adverse environmental influences.

Diagnostics and treatment of autoimmune diseases

The second step should be a blood test for biochemistry and rheumatic tests. In 90% they give an affirmative answer in rheumatoid arthritis, more than 50% confirm Sjögren's syndrome and in a third of cases indicate other autoimmune diseases. Many of them are characterized by the same type of development dynamics.

Residual confirmation of the diagnosis requires the delivery of immunological tests. In the presence of an autoimmune disease, there is an increased production of antibodies by the body against the background of the development of pathology.

Modern medicine does not have a single and perfect method of treating autoimmune diseases. Its methods are aimed at the final stage of the process and can only alleviate the symptoms.

Treatment of an autoimmune disease should be strictly supervised by an appropriate specialist., because existing drugs cause suppression of the immune system, which, in turn, can lead to the development of oncological or infectious diseases.

The main methods of modern treatment:

suppression of the immune system;
- Regulation of metabolic processes of body tissues;
- Plasmapheresis;
- Prescription of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants.

The treatment of autoimmune diseases is a long systematic process under the supervision of a physician.

Autoimmune polyendocrine (polyglandular) syndrome, abbr. APGS is a severe primary disease of several organs of the endocrine system simultaneously. A combination of affected glands, involvement of other organs, clinical picture may be different. In general, there are two main types of AHPS. Whitaker's syndrome, or candidopolyendocrine syndrome type 1, is a rare territory-dependent disease that is more often diagnosed at the age of 10-13 years (one of the synonyms is juvenile, juvenile polyendocrinopathy) in relatively closed groups in Finland, the Semitic communities of Iran, on the island of Sardinia ; the incidence in these regions is approximately 0.004% of the population. Type 2 AHPS (including Schmidt's syndrome and Carpenter's syndrome) is much more common, predominantly in women of reproductive age, but its etiology remains unclear.

Causes:

Both types of AHPS are inherited diseases. With type 1, brothers and sisters in the same generation are sick; mutates the gene responsible for the protein regulation of immunity at the cell level and the creation of a mechanism for general immune resistance.

Type 2 AHPS can occur in members of the same family for two or more generations. The disease develops against the background of pathological aggression of HLA antigens, which occurs as a result of external influence.

Symptoms:

A highly specific symptom of type 1 AHPS is a chronic fungal infection accompanied by hypoparathyroidism and/or renal failure. Candidomycosis affects the nails, skin, respiratory organs, mucous membranes of the genital organs, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal tract. There is also inflammation of the eyelids, eyes, graying, active hair loss. Signs of hypogonadism may appear, followed by the development of infertility in women and impotence in men. Adrenal insufficiency leads to hormonal imbalance; as a result, under the influence of stress, the disease worsens.

APGS type 2 is diagnosed in connection with chronic renal failure. Over the next 10 years, the development is typical diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis. Pathology can be accompanied by inflammation of the pleura, celiac disease, the formation of tumors in the pituitary gland, damage to the optic nerves.

Diagnostics:

A preliminary diagnostic hypothesis of APGS, based on the results of the examination, analysis of complaints and life / family history, is tested comprehensive examination, incl. laboratory tests (biochemical blood test for salt content, hormonal levels),

Ultrasound, CT or MRI, echocardiography, etc. Usually, an additional consultation of highly specialized specialists is required - a dermatologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, etc.

Treatment:

The treatment of APGS comes down, in fact, to long-term symptomatic therapy, the main task of which is to control the patient's condition and the course of the disease. Treatment is complex and based on substitution hormone therapy. Glucocorticoid (mineralcorticoid) treatment of renal failure, antifungal therapy for candidiasis, immunosuppressive therapy for combination of type 2 APGS with diabetes mellitus are prescribed.

Complications of APGS such as acute kidney failure, laryngospasm, visceral candidiasis can be fatal. But, early diagnosis diseases, adherence to the prescribed regimen of hormone replacement therapy, constant monitoring by an endocrinologist provide a satisfactory quality of life, although usually APGS causes a partial loss of working capacity, i.e. disability II or III group.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 - rare disease, which is characterized by the classic triad of signs: fungal infection of the skin and mucous membranes, hypoparathyroidism, primary chronic adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Classical triad of signs this disease may be accompanied by underdevelopment of the gonads, much less often primary hypothyroidism and type I diabetes mellitus. Among non-endocrine diseases in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, anemia, white spots on the skin, baldness, chronic hepatitis, malabsorption syndrome, underdevelopment of tooth enamel, nail dystrophy, absence of the spleen, bronchial asthma, glomerulonephritis. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 in general is a rare pathology, often found in the Finnish population, among Iranian Jews and Sardinians. Apparently, this is due to the long-term genetic isolation of these peoples. The frequency of new cases in Finland is 1 per 25,000 population. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 is transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance.

The disease usually first appears in childhood, somewhat more common in males. In the development of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, a certain sequence of manifestations is noted. In the vast majority of cases, the first manifestation of the disease is a fungal infection of the skin and mucous membranes, which develops in the first 10 years of life, more often at 2 years of age. At the same time, there is damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, genitals, as well as skin, nail folds, nails, less common lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract. In most people with this disease, a violation of the cellular immunity of the fungus of the genus Candida is determined, up to its complete absence. However, the body's resistance to other infectious agents remains normal.

Against the background of fungal lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, most people with this disease develop hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of the parathyroid glands), which, as a rule, first manifests itself in the first 10 years from the onset of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Signs of hypoparathyroidism are very diverse. In addition to the characteristic cramps of the muscles of the limbs, periodically occurring sensations on the skin such as tingling and "goosebumps" (paresthesia) and spasm of the larynx (laryngospasm), there are seizures which are often regarded as manifestations of epilepsy. On average, two years after the onset of hypoparathyroidism develops chronic insufficiency adrenal glands. In 75% of people with the disease, it first appears within the first nine years of onset. Adrenal insufficiency, as a rule, proceeds in a latent form, in which there is no pronounced hyperpigmentation (darkening due to the deposition of excess pigment) of the skin and mucous membranes. Its first manifestation may be acute adrenal insufficiency (crisis) against the background of a stressful situation. Spontaneous improvement in the course of hypoparathyroidism with the disappearance of most of its manifestations may be a sign of the development of concomitant adrenal insufficiency.

In 10-20% of women with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, ovarian underdevelopment is noted, which develops as a result of their autoimmune destruction (autoimmune oophoritis), i.e. destruction under the influence of their own immune system as a result of impaired functioning. Autoimmune oophoritis is manifested by the initial absence of menstruation or their complete cessation after some period of the normal menstrual cycle. In the study of the hormonal status, violations of the levels of hormones in the blood serum characteristic of this disease are revealed. In men, underdevelopment of the gonads is manifested by impotence and infertility.

Availability this syndrome is established on the basis of a combination of disorders of the endocrine system (hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency), which have characteristic clinical and laboratory signs, as well as on the basis of the development of a fungal infection of the skin and mucous membranes in a person (mucocutaneous candidiasis). In autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, antibodies against liver and pancreas cells are detected in the blood serum.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 is the most common but less studied variant of this disease. This syndrome was first described by M. Schmidt in 1926. The term "autoimmune polyglandular syndrome" was first introduced in 1980 by M. Neufeld, who defined autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 as a combination of adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroiditis (thyroid disease) and / or type I diabetes mellitus in the absence of hypoparathyroidism and chronic fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes.

Currently, a large number of diseases have been described that can occur within the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2. These, in addition to adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroiditis and type I diabetes mellitus, include diffuse toxic goiter, underdevelopment of the gonads, inflammation of the pituitary gland, isolated deficiency of its hormones are less common. Among non-endocrine diseases in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2, there are white spots on the skin, baldness, anemia, muscle damage, celiac disease, dermatitis, and some other diseases.

More often, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 occurs sporadically. However, the literature describes many cases of familial forms in which the disease was detected in different family members in several generations. In this case, a different combination of diseases occurring within the framework of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 can be observed in different members of the same family.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 is approximately 8 times more common in women, first manifesting on average between 20 and 50 years, while the interval between the occurrence of individual components of this syndrome can be more than 20 years (average 7 years). In 40-50% of individuals with this disease with initial adrenal insufficiency, another disease of the endocrine system sooner or later develops. In contrast, people with autoimmune thyroid disease who do not have a family history of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 have a relatively low risk of developing a second endocrine disease.

The most common variant of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 is Schmidt's syndrome: a combination of primary chronic adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroid diseases ( autoimmune thyroiditis and primary hypothyroidism, less often diffuse toxic goiter). In Schmidt's syndrome, the main symptoms are manifestations of adrenal insufficiency. Darkening of the skin and mucous membranes may be mild in this case.

Typical manifestations of adrenal insufficiency against the background of type I diabetes mellitus (Carpenter's syndrome) are a decrease daily dose insulin and a tendency to lower blood sugar levels, combined with weight loss, various violations digestion, decreased blood pressure.

With the addition of hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid function) to type 1 diabetes mellitus, the course of the latter is aggravated. An indication of the development of hypothyroidism can be an unmotivated weight gain against the background of a worsening course of diabetes mellitus, a tendency to lower blood sugar levels. The combination of type I diabetes mellitus and diffuse toxic goiter mutually aggravates the course of the disease. At the same time, there is a severe course of diabetes mellitus, a tendency to complications, which, in turn, can provoke an exacerbation of thyroid disease.

All individuals with primary adrenal insufficiency should be periodically examined for the development of autoimmune thyroiditis and/or primary hypothyroidism. It is also necessary to regularly examine children suffering from isolated idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, and especially in combination with fungal infections, in order to timely detect adrenal insufficiency. In addition, relatives of patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2, as well as brothers and sisters of patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, need to be examined by an endocrinologist every few years. If necessary, they determine the content of thyroid hormones in the blood, antibodies to the thyroid gland, determine the level of blood sugar on an empty stomach, the level of calcium in the blood. The possibilities of early and prenatal diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 are much wider.

Autoimmune diseases are pathologies that occur when the body's defenses fail. Women are more likely to experience these diseases than men.

What is it and the causes of development

Autoimmune pathologies occur due to disorders in the body, which can be provoked by a number of factors. Most often, it is based on hereditary predisposition. Immune cells, instead of foreign agents, begin to attack the tissues of various organs. Often such pathological process occurs in the thyroid gland and joints.

The necessary substances do not have time to make up for the losses from the destructive effects of their own immune system. To provoke such violations in the body can:

• harmful working conditions;
• viral and bacterial infections;
• genetic mutations during fetal development.

Main symptoms

Autoimmune processes in the body are manifested in the form of:

• hair loss;
• inflammatory process in the joints, gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland;
• arterial thrombosis;
• numerous miscarriages;
• pain in the joints;
• weaknesses;
• skin itching;
• enlargement of the affected organ;
• menstrual irregularities;
• pain in the abdomen;
• digestive disorders;
• deterioration of the general condition;
• weight changes;
• urination disorders;
• trophic ulcers;
• increased appetite;
• mood changes;
• mental disorders;
• convulsions and trembling of the limbs.

Autoimmune disorders cause pallor, allergic reactions to cold, as well as cardiovascular pathologies.

List of diseases

The most common autoimmune diseases, the causes of which are similar:

1. Alopecia areata - baldness occurs as the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
2. Autoimmune hepatitis - inflammation of the liver occurs, as its cells fall under the aggressive influence of T-lymphocytes. There is a change in skin color to yellow, the causative organ increases in size.
3. Celiac disease is gluten intolerance. At the same time, the body responds to the use of cereals with a violent reaction in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and pain in the stomach.
4. Type 1 diabetes - the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. With the development of this disease, a person is constantly accompanied by thirst, increased fatigue, blurred vision, etc.
5. Graves' disease - is accompanied by increased production of thyroid hormones. In this case, symptoms such as emotional instability, hand trembling, insomnia, and disruptions in the menstrual cycle occur. An increase in body temperature and a decrease in body weight may occur.
6. Hashimoto's disease - develops as a result of a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. In this case, a person is accompanied by constant fatigue, constipation, sensitivity to low temperatures etc.
7. Julian-Barré syndrome - manifests itself in the form of a lesion of the nerve bundle connecting the spinal cord and brain. As the disease progresses, paralysis may develop.
8. Hemolytic anemia - the immune system destroys red blood cells, causing tissues to suffer from hypoxia.
9. Idiopathic purpura - the destruction of platelets occurs, as a result of which the blood clotting ability suffers. There is an increased risk of bleeding, prolonged and heavy menstruation and hematomas.
10. Inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Immune cells infect the mucous membrane, provoking the appearance of an ulcer that occurs with bleeding, pain, weight loss, and other disorders.
11. Inflammatory myopathy - there is a lesion of the muscular system. The person experiences weakness and feels unsatisfactory.
12. Multiple sclerosis - own immune cells affect the nerve sheath. At the same time, coordination of movements is disturbed, problems with speech may occur.
13. Biliary cirrhosis - destruction of the liver and bile ducts. A yellow tint of the skin appears, itching, nausea, and other digestive disorders.
14. Myasthenia - the affected area includes nerves and muscles. A person constantly feels weak, any movement is difficult.
15. Psoriasis - destruction of skin cells occurs, as a result, the layers of the epidermis are distributed incorrectly.
16. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease. Defense Forces organisms attack the lining of the joints. The disease is accompanied by discomfort during movement, inflammatory processes.
17. Scleroderma is an abnormal growth of connective tissue.
18. Vitiligo - the cells that produce melanin are destroyed. In this case, the skin is colored unevenly.
19. Systemic lupus erythematosus - the affected area includes the joints, heart, lungs, skin and kidneys. The disease is extremely difficult.
20. Sjögren's syndrome - immune system salivary and lacrimal glands are affected.
21. Antiphospholipid syndrome - damage to the lining of blood vessels, veins and arteries.