Hypothyroidism and primary pulmonary hypertension: an autoimmune pathogenetic link?

Article Abstract:

An association may exist between primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and hypothyroidism. Both disorders may be caused by an underlying autoimmune disease. PPH is increased blood pressure within the circulation of the lungs. Hypothyroidism is deficient activity of the thyroid gland. Four women with hypothyroidism developed severe PPH. All the women were positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANAs are antibodies directed against antigens on the surface of cell nuclei. These types of antibodies are found in patients with different types of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease. An association has been found between different types of autoimmune disease and both impaired thyroid gland function and PPH.

Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Autoimmune diseases, Hypothyroidism

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Use of cytotoxic agents and cyclosporin in the treatment of autoimmune disease

Article Abstract:

Cytotoxic agents and cyclosporin may be useful in the treatment of some patients with inflammatory bowel disease and systemic vasculitis. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, typically used in cancer chemotherapy, and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug, have been used with success in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and other agents may be effective in the treatment of vascular inflammatory conditions. Cytotoxic drugs can suppress bone marrow function, increasing the risks of infection, anemia, leukemia, and other serious conditions.

Drug therapy, Antineoplastic agents, Bone marrow, Cyclosporine, Cyclosporins, Vasculitis, Inflammatory bowel diseases

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Compassionate Use of Continuous Prostacyclin in the Management of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension: A Case Series

Article Abstract:

Prostacyclin may be beneficial in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Prostacyclin is a naturally occurring chemical in the blood that prevents blood vessels from constricting. Researchers gave prostacyclin to 33 people with pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs. Prostacyclin lowered blood pressure in the lungs and allowed the patients to exercise longer without triggering symptoms.

Care and treatment, Prostacyclin

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