Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness or remission. Because its symptoms come and go and mimic those of other diseases, lupus is difficult to diagnose. There is no single laboratory test that can definitively prove that a person has the complex illness. To date, lupus has no known cause or cure. Early detection and treatment are the key to a better health outcome and can usually lessen the progression and severity of the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, and steroids (such as cortisone and others) are often used to treat lupus. Cytotoxic chemotherapies, like those used in the treatment of cancer, are also used to suppress the immune system in lupus patients. A new edition of this established and well-regarded reference combines basic science with clinical science to provide a translational medicine model. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sixth Edition, is a useful reference for specialists in the diagnosis and management of patients with SLE, a tool for measurement of clinical activity for pharmaceutical development and basic research of the disease, and a reference work for hospital libraries.

Neuroimmunoendocrine aspects of the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases are presented in this volume, and new approaches to diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are suggested.

Topics presented include gene polymorphisms and the neuroendocrine immune system in rheumatic diseases, anti-TNF strategies and effects on neuroendocrine immune mechanisms in rheumatic diseases, new perspectives on therapeutic use of glucocorticoids, nerve fibers and rheumatoid arthritis, stimulation tests of the stress axes, and sex hormones and lipid metabolism in rheumatic diseases.

"NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit" "www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas."

"ACADEMY MEMBERS Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (""www.nyas.org"). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http: //www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission.
Because its symptoms come and go and mimic those of other diseases, lupus is difficult to diagnose. There is no single laboratory test that can definitively prove that a person has the complex illness.
To date, lupus has no known cause or cure. Early detection and treatment is the key to a better health outcome and can usually lessen the progression and severity of the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-malarials, and steroids (such as cortisone and others) are often used to treat lupus. Cytotoxic chemotherapies, similar to those used in the treatment of cancer, are also used to suppress the immune system in lupus patients.
A new edition of this established and well regarded reference which combines basic science with clinical science to provide a translational medicine model. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a useful reference for specialists in the diagnosis and management of patients with SLE, a tool for measurement of clinical activity for pharmaceutical development and basic research of the disease and a reference work for hospital libraries.

* Highly illustrated and in full color throughout
* Basic science section expanded to allow the reader to focus on the newest techniques in molecular medicine and its effects on disease expression and treatment
* Clinical aspects and new drugs will be covered in great detail providing a useful reference to both experienced clinicians and physicians with an interest in lupus in their clinical practice

There is a biological force within the body that wants you to live to old age. While conventionally this force is known in medicine as the immune system, Dr. Bob calls it: "The Biological Soul." The Biological Soul is designed to protect you and allow you to live a healthy life. This force is tangible, measurable, lives within the physical body and determines our age and wellbeing through life. It is physical and complex and, in many ways, spiritual. It is affected by life's stresses, by diets, and by overall health and though not immortal; it both shapes your life and your life shapes it. IMMUNITY STRONG walks readers through how the immune system works, what makes it implode or keeps it safe and what modern science reveals about how it connects to every part of the body to keep it alive-as the seat of our "Biological Soul." Written in Dr. Bob's trade-mark down-to earth style, the book explains that the normal immune system functions like a police department protecting the body from harm. While as a nation we have recently been focused on the effects of infections, the book reveals that it is important to note that disorders of immunity are at the root of most diseases that shorten or impact our lives. From chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, heart disease and clogged arteries and even the ability to recognize and destroy cancer, to multiple sclerosis, lupus, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders are all linked to one or another glitch in the immune system. The purpose of this book is to provide significant information on the incredible complexity of the immune system and how the integration of spiritual, scientific, and emotional values can enhance health. It is Dr. Bob's hope that readers will find a new appreciation of the miracle that is the physical body and to understand the potential within our Biological Soul to promote longevity and overall happiness to life. IMMUNITY STRONG: Boost Your Body's Natural Healing Power and Live to 100 is a must-read for anyone wishing to nurture and enhance their health.

A rheumatologist and a psychologist offer an informative and compassionate perspective on coping with lupus for patients and their families.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is difficult to diagnose, and the symptoms-from achy joints to skin rashes-often mimic those of other diseases. Based on extensive research and clinical experience, Lupus Q&A answers the myriad questions of the more than 1.4 million lupus patients in this country. The book demystifies lupus by explaining diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, medication, and the psychological impact of the disease.

A revised and updated edition of the bestselling resource for lupus patients, their families, and medical professionals
A perennial bestseller, " Lupus Q&A" is the go-to guide for sufferers of a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.4 million people in the United States alone. Characterized by achy joints and skin rashes, lupus often mimics other diseases, making it tricky to diagnose and treat. In this completely revised and updated edition, Dr. Robert Lahita and Dr. Robert Phillips--leading experts on lupus--discuss topics in a clear, concise, and easy-to-follow Q&A format.
Lahita and Phillips review the newest drugs and explore beneficial complementary and alternative treatments, including new data on hormone use. Demystifying everything from diagnosis to the disease's psychological impact, "Lupus Q&A" prepares readers to face the challenges ahead--and to restore their health and their lives.