Table 1: Common Autoimmune Diseases

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Table 1: Common Autoimmune Diseases

The table describes some of the more common autoimmune diseases:
Autoimmune DiseaseDescription
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)Inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues caused by autoantibodies and immune complex deposition
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)A systemic disorder that affects skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs
Celiac sprue diseaseReaction to gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley) that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine
Pernicious anemia (PA)Decrease in red blood cells due to inability to absorb vitamin B12 which is caused by autoantibodies to intrinsic factor and intrinsic factor-secreting gastric parietal cells
Vitiligo Melanocytes are attacked and destroyed leading to white patches on the skin caused from the loss of pigment
SclerodermaConnective tissue disease that causes changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs
PsoriasisAutoimmune skin condition that causes redness and irritation, as well as thick, flaky, silver-white patches
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)Group of inflammatory diseases of the colon and small intestine
Hashimoto's diseaseInflammation of the thyroid gland leading to hypothyroidism
Addison's diseaseImmune destruction of adrenal glands causing adrenal hormone insufficiency
Graves' diseaseOveractive thyroid gland triggered by autoantibodies
Reactive arthritisInflammation of the joints, urethra, and eyes; may cause lesion on the skin and mucous membranes
Sjögren's syndrome (SjS)Destroys glands that produce tears and saliva causing dry eyes/mouth; may affect kidneys and lungs
Type 1 diabetesDestruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas