Annegret Kuhn – Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Автор: Annegret Kuhn
Название книги: Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Формат: PDF
Жанр: Медицина
Страницы: 452
Качество: Изначально компьютерное, E-book

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized
by a wide spectrum of manifestations and a variable evolution. The skin is one
of the most frequent sites of involvement, and thus it has long been central to the conceptual
framework that physicians have used to deal with this disease. During the
past few decades, the mechanisms of cutaneous LE have been under active investigation,
and many clinicians and scientists around the world have spent considerable
time studying the cutaneous manifestations of this disease. This research has led to
the identification of subsets of LE defined by constellations of clinical and photobiological
features, histologic and immunopathologic changes, and laboratory abnormalities.
Besides the classic forms such as subacute cutaneous LE and discoid LE,
there are uncommon variants that often lead to diagnostic difficulties. Therefore,
there has long been a need for a book on the cutaneous manifestations of LE that provides
not only a comprehensive description of the great variety of cutaneous abnormalities
but also a synthesis of our knowledge of the relationship between cutaneous
and systemic changes. Furthermore, the cutaneous manifestations of this disease are
a reflection of very specific and also nonspecific immunopathologic events along
with inflammatory responses, and major progress has been made in recent years in
our knowledge of the skin as an immunologic organ.Many advances have also been
made in understanding the induction of skin lesions of LE by ultraviolet light combined
with alterations in selectins and adhesion molecules contributing to the accumulation
of inflammatory cells in this disease.Animal models of LE have further provided
insight into the contributing roles of various T-cell subsets. In addition, the
management of cutaneous manifestations of LE is challenging, and although conventional
topical and systemic therapy exists new treatment options have been introduced
for patients with resistant disease.
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus is written by leading clinicians and scientists in a
multidisciplinary effort and includes chapters on the clinical aspects, pathologic
characteristics, and management of this disease. The combination of the latest clinical
and scientific data supplemented with colour reproductions of the clinical and
pathologic changes of the skin provides a comprehensive summary of information on
cutaneous LE. This book acquaints dermatologists, rheumatologists, and general
physicians with the skin manifestations of LE, and we further hope that Cutaneous
Lupus Erythematosus will be a valuable resource for all clinicians who diagnose, treat,
and manage patients with this disease. The editors would like to thank all authors for
their significant contribution to accomplish this book. In addition, the editors
dedicate this book to the memory of their mentor, colleague, and friend Dr. Günther Goerz, Professor of Dermatology, University of Düsseldorf, Germany, who taught
them that LE is exciting, complex, and worth spending a lifetime studying