Autoimmune Conditions and Their Relationships

Definition and Characteristics of Autoimmune Conditions

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a classic autoimmune disease characterized by production of multiple autoantibodies and multi-organ involvement, often associated with other autoimmune conditions and presents with manifestations including arthralgia, skin rashes, and internal organ involvement 1.
Sjögren's syndrome is a definitive autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands with secondary compromise of gland function, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth, and can occur as primary Sjögren's syndrome or secondary to other autoimmune diseases like SLE 2, 3, 4.

Patients with one autoimmune condition (like SLE or Sjögren's syndrome) should be monitored for the development of additional autoimmune disorders, as recommended by the American College of Rheumatology 4, 9.
Patients with primary immunodeficiencies like selective IgA deficiency may have an increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions, requiring appropriate screening and monitoring, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 6, 7.
The presence of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis should prompt investigation for underlying immune dysregulation, including possible autoimmune endocrinopathies in the context of APS-1, as suggested by the European Society for Immunodeficiencies 5.
Complement deficiencies can present with systemic autoimmune disease resembling lupus erythematosus, highlighting the complex relationship between immunodeficiency and autoimmunity, as noted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 7.