Main description:

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the occurrence of antibodies reacting with self-constituents of the body. The fully updated third edition of Autoantibodies is an in-depth review of the main autoantibodies identified up to now, with particular emphasis on those that display a diagnostic or prognostic clinical value.

The new edition covers recent scientific advances, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic technologies. Each chapter is focused on a single family of autoantibodies. This important reference contains historical notes, definitions, origins and sources of antigens recognized genetic associations, mediated pathogenic mechanisms, methods of detection, as well as clinical utility (disease prevalence and association, diagnostic value, sensitivity and specificity, prognostic value). This is an ideal reference for anyone involved in the field of autoimmune diseases.

Contents:

FOREWORD: THE CONCEPT OF IMMUNODIAGNOSIS

INTRODUCTION: AUTOANTIBODIES-UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS

ALLERGIC DISEASE AUTOANTIBODIES

ANTINEUTROPHIL ANTIBODIES

INTRODUCTION: ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES

AUTOANTIBODIES TO BIOLOGIC FACTORS/STRUCTURES

CARDIAC AUTOANTIBODIES

ENDOCRINE AUTOANTIBODIES

GI AND LIVER AUTOANTIBODIES

HEMATOLOGIC AUTOANTIBODIES

KIDNEY AUTOANTIBODIES

NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM AUTOANTIBODIES

RHEUMATIC DISEASE AUTOANTIBODIES

SKIN DISEASE AUTOANTIBODIES

UNIQUE CLINICAL SITUATIONS