Genetic Defect Tied To Autoimmune Diseases - Science News
think its interesting.
Genetic Defect Tied To Autoimmune Diseases - Science News
think its interesting.
Weggies UNITE!!
Has anyone read the books i can see on Amazon called Eye on the Prize: Fighting past Wegeners Granulomatosis and There must be a reason: My daughters battle with Wegeners granulomatosis...cos there arnt any reviews and are quite expensive...especially when my mum got her arthritis books very cheaply.
I have the EYE on the Prize book written by Candace Ross. She is from my area and was actually one of the first people to contact me when I was diagnosed. Her journey is interesting because of her determination and strength she was able to over come many obstacles that most people would not. She fought and won many battles. She is a wonderful lady.
There is also supposed to be a network library but I can't get into it. Maybe someone else can have better luck. I guess it was started because of the limited info out there and books, videos, whatever are donated and you can "rent" for the price of postage. the link is: pansupportnetwork.org/html/learn/pan.library/library.html
that link isnt working for me...so i'll take that as a reccomendation then? lol.
I dunno....I think that link might have been from a few years ago. Maybe it didn't do well and is no longer around.
I did however enjoy reading Eye on the Prize
well i've just ordered them both so i'll let ya know how i get on!
Necrotizing vasculitis is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessel walls.
Causes
Necrotizing vasculitis is common with:
- Polyarteritis nodosa
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Wegener's granulomatosis
It is very rare in children.
The cause of the inflammation is unknown. It is likely related to autoimmune factors. The wall of the blood vessel may scar and thicken, or die (become necrotic). The blood vessel may close, interrupting blood flow to the tissues it supplies. The lack of blood flow will cause the tissues to die.
Necrotizing vasculitis may affect any blood vessel in the body. Therefore, it can cause problems with the skin or any of the body's organs.
Symptoms
Fever, chills, fatigue, or weight loss may be the only symptoms at first. However, symptoms may be in almost any part of the body.
Skin:
- Abnormal skin tissue (lesions)
- Papules (small, solid, and raised lesions)
- Red or purple colored
- Located on the legs, hands, or other parts of the body
- Fingers that change color (blue fingers or toes)
- Tissue death due to lack of oxygen
- Pain or tenderness in the area
- Skin redness
- Sores (ulcers) that do not heal
Muscles and joints:
- Joint pain
- Leg pain
- Muscle contractions
- Wasting away of muscles
Brain and nervous system:
- Pain, numbness, tingling in an arm, leg, or other body area
- Weakness of an arm, leg, or other body area
- Pupils that are different sizes
- Eyelid drooping
- Swallowing difficulty
- Speech impairment
- Movement difficulty
Other symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine or stools
- Painful menstruation
- Hoarseness or changing voice
- Symptoms related to damage of the arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries)
Exams and Tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. A nervous system (neurological) examination may show signs of nerve damage.
Tests that may be done include:
- Biopsy of the muscle, organ, tissue, or nerve biopsy
- Chest x-ray
- Sedimentation rate
- Urinalysis
- Hepatitis blood test
- Blood test for antibodies against neutrophils (ANCA antibodies)
Treatment
Corticosteroids (given in low doses) or other drugs that suppress the immune system may reduce inflammation of the blood vessels.
See also:
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on the location of the vasculitis and the severity of tissue damage.
Possible Complications
- Permanent damage to the structure or function of the affected area
- Secondary infections of necrotic tissues
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of necrotizing vasculitis.
Emergency symptoms include:
- Changes in pupil size
- Loss of function of an arm, leg, or other body part
- Speech problems
- Swallowing difficulty
- Weakness
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent this disorder.
Alternative Names
Vasculitis - necrotizing
References
Cassidy JT. Systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and vasculitis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris Jr. ED, McInnes IB, Ruddy S,eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th. Philadelphia, Pa: W. B. Saunders Company; 2008: chap 98.
Update Date: 5/31/2009
Updated by: Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc
A reference that will help you understand your lab tests and offer email responses to questions about your lab results.
Lab Tests Online: Welcome!
Thanks Drz for the information.
Events listed on Vasculitis web site: Should we post these here on an on going basis?
Upcoming Events | Vasculitis Foundation
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