Kollagenosen

Kollagenosen, also known as connective tissue diseases, are a group of autoimmune disorders that affect the body's connective tissues. Connective tissues, such as collagen, provide support and structure to organs and other body parts. In these diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks these healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

The exact cause of collagenoses is not fully understood, but genetic predisposition and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the tissues affected, but often include joint pain and stiffness, fatigue, skin rashes, muscle weakness, and organ involvement such as in the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

Several distinct conditions fall under the umbrella of collagenoses. These include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. While each has unique characteristics, they share the common feature of being systemic autoimmune diseases.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to detect specific antibodies, and sometimes imaging studies or biopsies. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preventing further organ damage. This often involves medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The prognosis for individuals with collagenoses varies greatly depending on the specific disease, its severity, and the organs involved.