autoimmune disease, one of a large group of diseases characterized by altered function of the immune system of the body, resulting in an immune response against the body’s own cells. Antigens normally present on the body’s cells stimulate the development of autoantibodies which, unable to distinguish those antigens from external antigens, act against the body’s cells to cause localized and systemic reactions. These reactions can affect almost any cell or tissue and cause a variety of diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune thyroiditis. Some autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s disease, are tissue specific, whereas others, such as SLE, affect multiple organs and systems. Both genetic and environmental triggers may contribute to autoimmune disease. About 5% to 8% of the U.S. population is affected by an autoimmune disease. Most autoimmune diseases occur in women. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: The manifestations and clinical characteristics depend on the specific disease and on the organ or organ systems affected. See specific diseases. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Therapy includes corticosteroid, antiinflammatory, and immunosuppressive drugs. Symptoms are treated specifically. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Many autoimmune diseases are characterized by periods of crisis interrupted by periods of remission. During a crisis, the patient may be hospitalized and require extensive nursing care, with relief from pain, applications of heat or cold, range of motion exercises, or assistance in movement and ambulation. It is important also to teach the patient and the family the side effects of the drugs being prescribed and how the drugs are to be taken.
