This book is one of the first to evaluate the role of Steroids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases from the basic mechanisms to the clinical involvements and focuses on the importance of steroidal hormones in the pathogenesis and therapeutic management of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In particular, the chapters analyze the mechanisms of action and the involvement of adrenal steroids (glucocorticoids) in the neuroendocrine immune system, including effects on the elderly. The perturbations of the HPA axis as a source of altered steroidal synthesis will be discussed and related to some interesting pathological conditions that commonly complicate the autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as psychosis or fibromyalgia. Concerning the role of gonadal steroids (sex hormones), several chapters will discuss clinical and epidemiological evidences of their role, as well as their effects as risk factors in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including a section on pediatrics. The premier issue evaluating the role of steroids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases from the basic mechanisms to the clinical involvements Documents the latest research and indicate recent and coming new therapeutic-biological approaches to the therapy The book will present therapeutic perspectives concerning the new glucocorticoids, and the effects of biological drugs on their synthesis

This work offers a comprehensive reference guide to help clinicians in the field of Internal Medicine addressing common aspects of endocrinological disorders in their daily practice. The exponential growth in our knowledge of biomedicine calls for continuous multidisciplinary approaches across specialists and disciplines. In this volume, recognized experts in each given area explore the complex mechanisms linking endocrinological disorders to abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal tract, autoimmune, neuro-psychiatric, rheumatic, and dermatologic diseases. Aspects connected to critically ill and elderly patients are examined as well, helping to enhance daily interactions with the most fragile populations observed in clinical medicine. The individual chapters are designed to deliver timely information while explaining pathophysiological mechanisms with the help of figures, flow-charts, and updated guidelines. The book offers a unique and valuable resource for all clinicians, residents, specialists, and physicians involved daily in the management of complex and multidisciplinary systemic diseases.