Women and the Immune System
摘要
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system is misdirected and reacts against self instead of protecting the body from external intruders such as bacteria and viruses. These diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occur more commonly in women than in men. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease, and it can have devastating effects on peoples’ function and quality of life. The management of RA benefits from an interdisciplinary approach that considers a woman’s reproductive health, cardiovascular disease, and bone health.