Autoimmunity reviews
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Autoimmunity reviews · Oct 2020
ReviewHashimoto's thyroiditis: An update on pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic protocols, therapeutic strategies, and potential malignant transformation.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, characterized by thyroid-specific autoantibodies, is one of the commonest autoimmune disorders. Although the exact etiology has not been fully elucidated, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is related to an interaction among genetic elements, environmental factors and epigenetic influences. Cellular and humoral immunity play a key role in the development of the disease; thus, a T and B cells inflammatory infiltration is frequently found. ⋯ Diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is clinical and based on clinical characteristics, positivity to serum antibodies against thyroid antigens (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin), and lymphocytic infiltration on cytological examination. The mainstream of treatment is based on the management of the hypothyroidism with a substitution therapy. A relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a possible malignant transformation has been proposed in several studies and involves immunological/hormonal pathogenic links although specific correlation is still debated and needs to be further investigated with prospective studies.
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Autoimmunity reviews · Aug 2020
ReviewHepatitis C virus- related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: A review of the role of the new direct antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects about 70 million people worldwide. HCV is responsible for both hepatitis and extra-hepatic manifestations. Chronic infection has been shown to develop in about 70% of cases and can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. ⋯ On the contrary, the regression of renal disease and lympho-proliferative disorders, induced by HCV, appears to have a lower remission rate after viral eradication with DAAs and most cases need immunosuppressive treatments. In HCV related CV, the main clinical goal must be early eradication of HCV, to avoid organ complication and manifestation of lympho-proliferative diseases. This review focuses on the role of DAAs in treatment of HCV-related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
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Autoimmunity reviews · Aug 2020
Observational StudyImmune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myositis, the earliest and most lethal complication among rheumatic and musculoskeletal toxicities.
In addition to restoring anti-tumor immune responses, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may also induce immune-related adverse events (irAE) that can affect any organ. We aim to determine the spectrum, timing, clinical features, and fatalities of rheumatic and musculoskeletal immune-related adverse events (RMS-irAE) associated with ICI. ⋯ Clinicians should be aware of the spectrum of RMS-irAE. Myositis can be particularly life-threatening, particularly when associated with myocarditis.