Autoinflamación

Autoinflamación refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of systemic inflammation. Unlike autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, autoinflammatory conditions involve a dysfunction in the innate immune system. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense, and in autoinflammatory diseases, specific proteins within this system are overactive or mutated, leading to inappropriate inflammatory responses.

These inflammatory episodes can manifest in various ways, often including fever, skin rashes, joint pain, and swelling of internal organs. The symptoms can vary greatly in severity and presentation depending on the specific autoinflammatory syndrome. Common examples include Familial Mediterranean Fever, Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, and Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS).

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, family history, blood tests to detect inflammatory markers, and sometimes genetic testing to identify the underlying mutation. Treatment strategies aim to suppress the excessive inflammation and manage symptoms. This can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and more targeted therapies like biologic agents that block specific inflammatory pathways. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.