autoimmune disorder

autoimmune disorder A condition characterized by autoimmunity in which a misdirected immune system acts against the tissues of one’s own body. Autoimmune disorders typically feature inflammation of various tissues of the body and are associated with antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the blood. Examples of autoimmune disorders include systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, scleroderma, Hashimoto disease, juvenile (type 1) diabetes mellitus, Addison disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, glomerulonephritis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Autoimmune disorders are more frequent in women than in men. It is thought that the estrogen of females may influence the immune system to predispose some women to autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, the presence of one autoimmune disorder increases the chance for developing another simultaneous autoimmune disorder. See also antinuclear antibody.