Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS)
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Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Multiple autoimmune syndrome is a condition in which a minimum of three distinct autoimmune diseases have been diagnosed in a person.[1].Autoimmune diseases are chronic disabling conditions that occur when a persons own immune systems turns on itself. Any once healthy cells, tissues and organs can be involved and can lead to a diverse set of changes within the body depending on the autoimmune disease that is diagnosed. Examples of autoimmune disease are; fibromyalgia; HIV/AIDS; Lyme disease; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Psoriatic Arthritis.
Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process[edit | edit source]
The pathogenesis of MAS is unclear but to date environmental, infectious, psychological, genetic, and immunologic susceptibility are being investigated. A three group classification has been developed which clusters together the autoimmune diseases that tend to occur together.
1.MAS includes myasthenia gratis, thymoma, polymyositis and giant cell myocarditis
2.MAS includes Sjogren's syndrome, RA, scleroderma, autoimmune thyroid disease .
3.MAS includes SLE, DM1, Sjogren's syndrome, Addison's disease, vitiligo, dermatitis herpetiformis, autoimmune thyroid disease.[1]
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
When a person presents to physiotherapy for treatment related to an autoimmune disease eg RA or has a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease it is imperative to look into their medical history to see if other autoimmune diseases are present or possible further investigations are warranted for possibility of other autoimmune diseases. This is important as up to one in four persons with an autoimmune disease has a tendency to develop another[1] For clinical presentation of specific autoimmune diseases follow the former link
Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]
The outcome measures chosen will be many and varied depending on the autoimmune diseases present.
(see individual autoimmune condition outcome measures)
Management / Interventions[edit | edit source]
For clients living with a chronic autoimmune disease physiotherapy can be hugely beneficial for the specific ailments associated with the condition, including SLE, RA, MS. Symptoms of joint swelling, muscle wasting, pain, fatigue, inflammation, isolation can all be addressed. Tailored physical activity programs are a fantastic way to improve every levels, decrease stress , increased sense of well being and the myriad of physiological benefits. Specific, general and holistic techniques can be employed eg individual tailored exercise programs, pain education, hydrotherapy, energy conservation, diet plans and advice, group exercise participation, goal orientated activities.
Resources[edit | edit source]
see autoimmune disorders resources
