BACKGROUND Autoimmune mechanisms are thought to have a major role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. We aimed to identify coexisting autoimmune phenotypes in patients with multiple sclerosis from families with several members with the disease and in their first-degree relatives. METHODS A total of 176 families (386 individuals and 1107 first-degree relatives) were characterised for a ...

Excessive prolactin release and/or receptor action may be implicated in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune disorders. We report here a case of a woman who developed Graves' disease and subclinical autoimmune adrenal failure, and was diagnosed as having autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2. Because of coexisting microprolactinoma she was treated with bromocriptine for 24 months. This treatm...

Autoimmune liver disorders in childhood include autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis. These inflammatory liver disorders are characterised histologically by interface hepatitis, biochemically by elevated transaminase levels and serologically by autoantibodies and increased levels of immunoglobulin G. Autoimmune hepatitis is particularly aggressive in children and progresse...