This first volume represents the state-of-the-art in the field of cardiovascular disease and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Systemic autoimmune diseases comprise a family of conditions that share common pathogenetic mechanisms as well as a multi-organ involvement including the heart. This volume has been subdivided into three parts. In the first part, the immune mechanisms involved in cardiac damage have been considered. The role of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines in driving an autoimmune response to cardiac self-tissues has been analysed. Moreover, the prevalence, the clinical meaning and the hypothetical pathogenicity of a broad spectrum of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies have been discussed in detail. In the second part of the volume, the role of humoral and innate immunity in promoting the development of atherosclerotic plaque has been extensively reviewed, along with the newly discovered anti-inflammatory properties of statins. These two parts of the volume deal with exciting aspects of this topic, suggesting a very close connection between heart diseases and immunology. Finally, in the third part, the cardiac manifestations observed in the major systemic autoimmune conditions have been comprehensively examined.This book yields an impressive body of well ordered information, highlighting key references and summarising the experience of a selected panel of distinguished physician-scientists actively involved in the field of cardiovascular disease and systemic autoimmunity.

The Heart in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Second Edition, provides an overview on our current understanding of major complications relating to the heart and autoimmune diseases. It includes the latest information on the new pathogenetic mechanisms involved, along with clinical manifestations of these important comortbidities. Mortality in autoimmune diseases, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis and SLE, has increased when compared with the general population. This excess mortality is largely due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-particularly those of atherosclerotic origin, such as ischemic heart disease-and is gaining recognition in all branches of medicine, from cardiology, to internal medicine, and from rheumatologists to orthopedics. - Presents an impressive body of well ordered information on the topic of cardiovascular diseases and their relationship to autoimmune illness - Highlights key references - Summarizes the experience of a selected panel of distinguished physician-scientists who are actively involved in the field of cardiovascular disease and systemic autoimmunity

Systemic autoimmune diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against various self-constituents. In specific cases, the heart and cardiovascular (CV) system are the primary organs targeted by the disease. On the other hand, several systemic autoimmune conditions are linked to enhanced atherosclerosis, with a consequently high CV morbidity and mortality rates. Persistent low-grade inflammation in the vascular wall is described to be important in the physiopathology of CV events. At first, inflammation is linked to endothelial dysfunction supporting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells with subsequent vascular remodeling. Furthermore, the infiltration of innate and adaptive immune cells promotes a milieu of molecules that contributes to the perpetuation of inflammation itself. Although CV risk assessment should be part of routine care in patients with autoimmune diseases, no disease-specific models are currently available for this purpose. The main pillars of CV risk reduction are pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of cardiovascular CV risk factors, as well as tight control of disease activity.

The Lung in Autoimmune Diseases, Volume Seventeen identifies and describes the role of the lung in the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. From disease patterns, prognosis and risks to treatment, this book provides a comprehensive approach for the role of the lung in autoimmune diseases and the influence of autoimmune disease on the lung's functionality. In recent years, there is increasing knowledge in the field, including lung infection in early disease stages, mechanisms involved in lung damage, and new treatments. Recognition of lung involvement and implementation of some specific therapies is an important issue for clinicians dealing with systemic autoimmune diseases. - Provides a comprehensive review of the different patterns of pulmonary involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases - Describes new, targeted therapies for the treatment of systemic autoimmune diseases, including anti-fibrotics, biologics and vasodilators - Gives insights on the prognosis of patients suffering from systemic autoimmune diseases - Depicts better definitions of types of lung involvement in patients with an underlying systemic autoimmune disease

This volume of the Handbook of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases series represents a medical collaboration focusing primarily on female aspects of rheumatic diseases. This collaboration recognizes the need to understand and optimally manage the care of women with autoimmune conditions that may affect their reproduction and hormonal status. This handbook will prove useful to clinicians and researchers alike. It covers practical points, ranging from which anti-rheumatic medications are safe in pregnancy to how to counsel women with scleroderma contemplating pregnancy. * Authors share an academic interest in the unique relationship between being a woman and having an autoimmune disease * Touches on controversial topics, such as the mechanism of antiphospholipid-related fetal loss and whether or not non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents should be used in pregnancy * Includes critical and balanced reviews of the controversial association between autoimmune disease and female infertility

Many of the systemic autoimmune diseases seen in children are different from those seen in adults making them a special problem for physicians and scientists who care for the affected children and study their diseases. Benefiting both pediatric and adult rheumatologists, as well as physicians from other specialties, this volume covers the latest advances in pathogenesis and clinical management of common conditions seen in pediatric rheumatology practices.

Not too long ago, it was thought that inflammation of blood vessels was the sole manifestation of systemic autoimmune diseases. Today, however, we know that disorders of coagulation, injuries to both neutrophils and endothelial cells, and certain lipids and amino acids are all intricately involved in the development of vascular disease. How are all

This volume brings together an international group of clinicians and clinical scientists to contribute to a state-of the-art review of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, methods of clinical assessment, classification and diagnosis of renal disease, combined with a detailed overview of treatment strategies. An essential reference source for all those involved with the care of patients with renal involvement in systemic autoimmune disease, and for those contributing to research into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms in these disorders.

The Digestive System in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases represents the state-of-the-art in the field of digestive disorders in the most common systemic autoimmune diseases.The volume consists of an introductory chapter on imaging techniques in digestive diseases, followed by eight chapters on digestive manifestations in specific systemic autoimmune diseases. The final five chapters deal with digestive diseases with an autoimmune pathogenesis and systemic manifestations.International in scope, the table of contents reads like a Who's who in clinical research on systemic autoimmune diseases. More than 20 contributors from the European Union, the United States, Mexico and South Africa share their knowledge in this detailed volume.*One book of leading international clinical and scientific experts on autoimmune and digestive diseases*A practical guide to the identification, diagnosis and treatment of digestive involvement in patients with autoimmune diseases that will be useful for all medical specialties*Several diseases and conditions not included in other text books are included, some of which are of recent emergence*Each chapter is designed to serve as a "Guide to Clinical Practice for each disease

This book represents the state-of-the-art in the field of skin and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. It covers systematically a growing and multifaceted topic which is of great importance in the clinical practice. It also serves as a sharp educational tool as each chapter provides summaries and specific highlights to key references cited into the text. The pathophysiological link between skin involvement and autoimmunity has been explained in detail, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.This book yields an impressive body of well ordered information which summarizes the experience of a selected panel of distinguished physicians and scientists actively involved in the field of skin immunology and systemic autoimmunity.* Written by a respected panel of distinguished physician-scientists actively involved in the field of skin immunology and systemic autoimmunity* Box summaries at the end of each chapter highlight important topics * Up-to-date basic knowledge as well as modern approach to diagnosis and therapy