Epithelial tissue does not spring to mind as an obvious source of autoimmune phenomena. Yet, genetic predisposition and influence of various environmental and epigenetic factors may lead to epithelium becoming a springboard for the development of autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, or IgG4-related diseases. This book is intended as an introduction to the problem of “autoimmune epithelitis” and diseases closely related to the immune disturbances of the epithelium, with special emphasis on those affecting exocrine glands. Both theoretical and practical knowledge, presented by authors from a wide range of medical specialties, should be of help for medical professionals who have to deal with this difficult problem in their daily practice.

This book represents the proceedings of a conference, Rheumaderm, that was held in December 1997. The meeting was a dialogue between the specialties of Rheumatology and Dermatology, exploring and discussing areas of common interest. The aim was to present problems common to both specialties, thereby emphasising the team approach to such problems and helping to combine various skills.

Dermatology is a specialty in the field of medicine which constantly changes at a vast rate. Alongside technology, new drugs, methods and treatments are continuously developed for the treatment of all common skin diseases. The first edition of the European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments received an overwhelming response from dermatovenereologists all over Europe. Its easy-to-read format, which is also used for this 2nd edition, is aimed at helping the physician to obtain comprehensive information at a glance. The three main sections listed alphabetically define the different diseases, the drugs available and the various methods of treatment used in dermatological practice. Each chapter begins with a brief section of the aetiology and pathogenesis of the skin disease, and leads into the description of the clinical characteristics, the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis. Followed by a detailed discussion on treatment methods, alternative methods are covered as well. Each section ends with a reference list for further reading. This new edition provides an excellent update including the newest developments of drugs, methods and treatments in dermatological practice, maintaining the clear structure and well-proven format. It is a very comprehensive and practical guide and should not be missed by those treating patients with skin diseases.

This book explores comorbidity in patients with rheumatic diseases and details both care and treatment options in standard clinical practice. Patients with rheumatic diseases are clinically complex, and the interplay of their disease activity with associated conditions may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Recently there have been major advances in the management of rheumatic diseases, however, without addressing the potential comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease; pulmonary disease; and depression; outcomes remain poor. ​​​ With its 19 chapters, covering the management of major rheumatic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus , and osteoarthritis), potential comorbidities and treatment recommendations, as well as possible interactions between conditions; this book addresses the gap between textbook medicine and day to day patients' care. Authors also discuss the new hot issue of the comorbidity index, comparing the standard tools to the recently developed indices and how they can assist the rheumatologists in determining disease burden, prognosis, and comorbidity probability. This book is an ideal clinical guide and reference that enables rheumatologists, internal medicine physicians, and residents to address the full clinical expression of these rheumatic diseases with views towards prevention or early management of comorbid conditions.

According to the Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee (ADCC), between 14.7 and 23.5 million people in the USA – up to eight percent of the population are affected by autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are a family of more than 100 chronic, and often disabling, illnesses that develop when underlying defects in the immune system lead the body to attack its own organs, tissues, and cells. In Handbook of Autoimmune Disease, the editors have gathered in a comprehensive handbook a critical review, by renowned experts, of more than 100 autoimmune diseases, divided into two main groups, namely systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. A contemporary overview of these conditions with special emphasis on diagnosis is presented. Each chapter contains the essential information required by attending physicians as well as bench scientists to understand the definition of a specific autoimmune disease, the diagnostic criteria, and the treatment.

This book provides a concise and up-to-date review of key rheumatology topics along with extensive practice questions to assist in preparing for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Rheumatology Certification Exam. Each chapter focuses on a single disease and starts with a short review (primarily tables and figures) to highlight the main points and key issues. The review is followed by 10-20 board-style multiple choice questions with detailed explanations for each topic. The chapters and associated preparation questions are written by established experts from top institutions in the United States. The book concludes with a 50-question practice test reflecting the format used by the ABIM Board Certification Exam. Absolute Rheumatology Review is an essential resource for not only graduate students, residents, and fellows in rheumatology and internal medicine studying for board exams but also rheumatologists, physicians, and related professionals preparing for recertification.

This book covers all aspects of the specialized field of gerontorheumatology, providing a complete overview of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and related conditions in the elderly. The emphasis is particularly on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, including the latest advances in biological and pharmacological therapy and potential treatment side effects. The book will provide the reader with a keen awareness of the characteristic features, distinctive etiologies, and different courses of the various disorders of the musculoskeletal system in the geriatric population. Diagnostic and treatment considerations of special relevance in daily practice are highlighted, and the importance of comorbidities and their rheumatic consequences is also emphasized. The book will be of value for gerontologists, rheumatologists, internists, and rehabilitation physicians and will offer excellent guidance for general practitioners, who are typically the first to deal with disorders of the musculoskeletal system in elderly patients.