Autoimmune diseases is a name of a large category of diseases characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. These disorders can affect almost any part of the body and are often chronic, requiring lifelong management. This article provides an overview of autoimmune diseases and details the specific tests available at our laboratory to diagnose and monitor these conditions.
Some of the common autoimmune diseases:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the joints, particularly the lining of the joints, leading to painful swelling and eventual joint deformity.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, characterized by periods of illness (flares) and wellness (remission).
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the body.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This term mainly refers to two conditions—Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—which affect the gastrointestinal tract with chronic inflammation.
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Psoriatic arthritis involves joint inflammation that occurs in conjunction with psoriasis.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, often leading to hypothyroidism.
- Graves’ Disease: Another thyroid-related autoimmune disorder, this one typically causing hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome: This condition attacks the glands that provide lubrication to the eyes and mouth, resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth but can also affect other parts of the body.
Common symptoms of autoimmune diseases
- Fatigue
- Joint Pain and Swelling
- Muscle Aches and Weakness
- Skin Leasions
- Fever
- Digestive Issues
- Thyroid Issues
- Dry Eyes and Mouth
- Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet
- Hair Loss
Tests we offer:
C4, Complement
The complement system can be activated via the classical and the alternative route. A decrease in C4 is common, but complete absence is rare. A lowered concentration or the complete absence of C4 occurs in immunocomplex diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) autoimmune thyroditis and juvenile dermatomyositis. Low C4 with high dsDNA autoantibodies confirms the diagnosis of SLE and may help monitor activity.
Cardiolipin Antibodies IgA, IgG and IgM
Cardiolipin Antibodies are seen in a subgroup of patients with autoimmune diseases, particularly Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), who are at risk for vascular thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, cerebral infarct and/or recurrent spontaneous abortion. Elevations are associated with increased risk have also been seen in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, and primary Sjogren’s syndrome.
IgA
Evaluate humoral immunity; monitor therapy in IgA myeloma. Selective IgA deficiency has an increased association with allergies, recurrent sinopulmonary infection, autoimmune disease, and the HLA A28, B14 or A1, B14 types. IgA deficiency accompanied by a deficiency of subclass IgG2 is associated with recurrent sinopulmonary infections.
Rheumatoid Factor
Rheumatoid factor is essentially an IgM antibody that is directed toward IgG. Although it is a non-specific marker, it is associated with autoimmunity and rheumatoid arthritis. IgG antibodies may be altered to be recognized as “foreign,” resulting in an autoimmunity.
Thyroglobulin Autoantibodies
Useful in the differential diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism and the management of nonmedullary differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Thyroglobulin and/or thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies occur in sera of most autoimmune thyroid disease patients. Individuals with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies go on to develop hypothyroidism at a rate of about 3% per year.
353 Thyroid Peroxidase Autoantibodies
Autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO), which is the major antigen of thyroid microsomes, can be detected in the serum of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (e.g., Hashimoto, Graves) and predict elevated serum TSH concentrations.
Treatment
Doctors often manage autoimmune diseases with a combination of medications. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, rank among the most commonly used medications in this category. Prednisone effectively reduces inflammation and modulates the immune response, thereby alleviating symptoms and preventing further tissue damage. Physicians frequently prescribe prednisone for short-term use during flare-ups of autoimmune conditions to quickly control severe symptoms. Doctors tailor the dosage and duration of prednisone treatment to each patient’s specific condition and needs, balancing the benefits with potential risks, such as increased risk of infections, osteoporosis, weight gain, and high blood pressure. In some cases, physicians use prednisone in conjunction with other medications to achieve better control of the autoimmune disease while minimizing side effects.
Conclusion
Autoimmune diseases are varied and complex, but with the right diagnostic tools, they can be managed effectively. ALLIANCE™ is equipped with state-of-the-art tests to diagnose and monitor a wide range of autoimmune conditions, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care based on accurate and timely data. Understanding these diseases and the available diagnostic options is the first step towards effective treatment and management.