Autoimmune Diseases: MS, RA, Celiac Disease and Lupus

Featured Article The Effects of Lupus on Pregnancy Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects women 10 to 15 times more than men. Women are most likely to develop lupus between the ages of 15 and 40, so researchers suspect a connection between hormones and lupus. For many years women were discouraged from becoming pregnant if they had lupus because of risks associated with the health of the mother and child. Risks of Lupus and Pregnancy Lupus does carry real risks for a mother and her fetus. Up to 10 percent of pregnancies in women who have lupus end in miscarriage. Some of the underlying maternal conditions that can lead to miscarriage are diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and systemic lupus erythematosus. First trimester miscarriages may have some connection with active lupus during pregnancy. Later miscarriages are connected to a condition known as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome or APS. Women with lupus who wish to become pregnant should be screened for APS. Anticoagulants and APS APS may cause blood clots, strokes, heart disorders and frequent miscarriages. Women who have a history of blood clots or thrombosis and one or more miscarriages should be screened for APS, genetic or chromosomal abnormalities and maternal anatomical problems. continued			Blogs
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In This Site...

Autoimmune DisordersAutoimmune diseases can have devastating effects on various body tissues and organ systems, and are often very difficult to diagnose. Learn more about autoimmune disorders.
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Celiac Complications Can Be SeriousDetails the complications that can ensue if one with celiac disease avoids treatment. Describes celiac complications, including malignancy and autoimmune disease.
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What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)Provides an overview of articles on multiple sclerosis symptoms. Briefly discusses what MS is and the incidence rates of the disease.
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