What is an autoinflammatory disease?

During our weekly physician conference,  I discussed a patient with a suspected autoinflammatory disease.  An elderly male, he had a history of recurrent fevers, hives, and elevated inflammatory markers, which had gone untreated for many years.  Eventually, he developed renal amyloidosis, and was finally referred to rheumatology clinic for further evaluation.  Although he had many of the classic signs and symptoms of an autoinflammatory disease, his physicians had not recognized it.  His kidneys were failing, and he was being prepared to undergo hemodialysis as a result.  Even during the case conference, in the presence of several prominent physicians of various specialties, I still heard the same question I’ve been hearing since I began to care for patients with these rare illnesses: “Autoinflammatory?  You mean autoimmune, right?”  Wrong! Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Family Physicians Tags: Conditions Rheumatology Source Type: blogs