Autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland
Autoimmune diseases can also affect the skin as part of a systemic disease or be limited to the skin alone. The so-called collagenoses are not only directed against the skin, but also against other body structures. These include scleroderma, a hardening of the skin that can spread to other organs, and dermatomyositis, a disease with muscle and skin infections.
Lupus erythematosus, with its various forms of skin and organ complaints, is also a collagenosis. Vasculitides are inflammatory vascular changes of the skin and other organs. The blistering autoimmune diseases are caused by the reaction of autoantibodies against cellular components of the epidermis.
Not only the skin can be affected, but also mucous membranes in the mouth and eye area as well as in the genital region. These include pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid. Autoimmune diseases restricted to the skin include white spot disease, vitiligo, psoriasis or circular hair loss (Alopecia areata).
In the latter, the hair falls out in circular spots. Psoriasis is based on a malfunction of the immune system. A similar development of the disease is present with neurodermatitis.
Autoimmune diseases of the kidney
Behind the term glomerulonephritis hides a group of different diseases of the renal corpuscles of both kidneys. In general, it is an inflammation of the so-called glomeruli of the renal cortex, which perform a filtering function of the blood. Glomerulonephritis can occur as a disease of the kidney alone or in conjunction with another disease.
About two thirds of cases are autoimmune diseases that affect only the kidneys. The body’s own immune system produces antibodies, often so-called IgA antibodies, which are deposited in the loops of the glomeruli. They lead to a disturbed filter function of the renal corpuscles.
Affected patients are usually free of pain. Since the kidney‘s barrier no longer functions, increased levels of red blood cells and proteins can be detected in the urine. Harmful metabolic products, in turn, remain in the bloodstream.
In addition to an immunosuppressive therapy, depending on the stage, blood pressure-lowering and nutritional measures are used. If glomerulonephritis is not treated or remains undetected for a long time, there is a risk of kidney failure. In the context of systemic autoimmune diseases, a contribution of the lung can be observed.
These are primarily collagenoses and vasculitides. In particular in connection with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis, a reduction of functional lung tissue may occur. One speaks of a fibrosis of the lung tissue.
Chronic remodelling processes, usually caused by inflammation, transform the thin wall of the pulmonary alveoli into connective tissue that is impassable for oxygen. Breathlessness and persistent dry cough are characteristic symptoms. Some systemic vasculitides are also associated with lung involvement.
The specific antibodies of the autoimmune diseases are directed against small vessels and provoke an inflammatory reaction of the tissues of the airways and lung tissue. Mostly, these are diseases associated with so-called antineutrophil antibodies (ANCA). These include Wegner’s granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis and Churg-Strauss syndrome.
