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BACKGROUND: Patients afflicted by type 1 diabetes (T1D) exhibit polyautoimmunity (PolyA). However, the frequency and distribution of PolyA in T1D is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the prevalence of latent and overt PolyA in individuals with T1D. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search across medical databases identified studies on latent and overt PolyA in T1D. Two researchers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed study quality. A random effects model was utilized to calculate the pooled prevalence, along with its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI), for latent PolyA and overt PolyA. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to study the effect of study designs, age, sex, and duration of disease on pooled prevalence. RESULTS: A total of 158 articles, encompassing a diverse composition of study designs were scrutinized. The analysis included 270,890 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of T1D. The gender was evenly distributed (50.30 % male). Notably, our analysis unveiled an overt PolyA prevalence rate of 8.50 % (95 % CI, 6.77 to 10.62), with North America having the highest rates (14.50 %, 95 % CI, 7.58 to 24.89). This PolyA profile was further characterized by a substantial incidence of concurrent autoimmune thyroid disease (7.44 %, 95 % CI, 5.65 to 9.74). Moreover, we identified a notable prevalence of latent PolyA in the T1D population, quantified at 14.45 % (95 % CI, 11.17 to 18.49) being most frequent in Asia (23.29 %, 95 % CI, 16.29 to 32.15) and Oceania (21.53 %, 95 % CI, 16.48 to 27.62). Remarkably, this latent PolyA phenomenon primarily featured an array of autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor, followed by Ro52, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies. Duration of the disease was associated with a highest frequency of latent (ß: 0.0456, P-value: 0.0140) and overt PolyA (ß: 0.0373, P-value: 0.0152). No difference in the pooled prevalence by study design was observed. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis constitutes a substantial advancement in the realm of early detection of PolyA in the context of T1D. Individuals with T1D should regularly undergo assessments to identify potential concurrent autoimmune diseases, especially as they age.

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PURPOSE: To report two cases of non-granulomatous unilateral anterior uveitis in two female patients associated with autoimmune liver diseases (ALD), emphasizing the possibility of this rare coexistence as a polyautoimmunity phenomenon. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Case 1: An 18-year-old female with a history of congenital renal hypoplasia and metabolic syndrome presented with anterior uveitis in OS and a history of jaundice, blood elevated hepatic enzymes, and cholangioresonance compatible with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Laboratory work-up for additional autoimmune and infective causes were within normal limits. Case 2: An 58-year-old female presented an episode of anterior uveitis in OD and a history of Sjögren syndrome diagnosed at the age of 53, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), systemic sclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, bilateral sacroiliitis, and vitiligo, consistent with polyautoimmunity and multiple autoimmune syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Uveitis rarely coexists with ALD. However, it is essential to recognize the possibility of polyautoimmunity in patients presenting with ophthalmic manifestations and a previous diagnosis of ALD, such as PSC or PBC.

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PURPOSE: To present a novel association of multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS) in a patient with sclerouveitis and alkaptonuria. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old female with alkaptonuria, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and familial autoimmunity presented with decreased VA, red eye, foreign body sensation, and ocular pain. Ophthalmological examination: OD conjunctival hyperemia, ochronosis, a reddish-violet scleral nodule, keratic precipitates, 2+ cells in the anterior chamber, 0.5+ vitreous cells, and mild vitreous haze. The patient was diagnosed with anterior uveitis and anterior nodular scleritis. Due to the associated sicca symptoms, a salivary gland biopsy was ordered, confirming Sjögren's syndrome. Then, MAS was diagnosed, and immunomodulatory medications were started; however, as she was refractory to more than two of them, it was suggested to start biological treatment. CONCLUSION: We present a novel MAS-type 2 pattern consisting of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, sclerouveitis, and Sjögren's syndrome. Its diagnosis and management represent a challenge, so a multidisciplinary approach should be provided.

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Objective: To assess the frequency of polyautoimmunity (PolyA) in a cohort of Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify associated factors. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study in a specialized center., a comprehensive review of the medical records of SLE patients was performed from 2015 to 2020 in order to obtain demographic, clinical data, laboratory, and treatment information. Associations between PolyA, demographic, and characteristics of the disease were explored. Results: A total of 463 patients were included in the analysis. The average age was 47.3 ± 15 years. Most of this population were female (87.4%), whom were diagnosed with SLE in a long-term SLE (10.6 ± 10.1 years). Out of the total patients, 34.7% were diagnosed with PolyA. Among the most frequent clinical criteria for SLICC, arthritis (65%), kidney impairment (39.5%), and alopecia (34.8%) were found. The most frequent SLE-associated PolyA were antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) (16.63% and 10.58%, respectively). PolyA-associated factors were age, xerophthalmia, central nervous system occlusion, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In contrast, renal impairment was significantly less frequent in PolyA patients after multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The results have showed associated factors with PolyA like age, xerophthalmia, central nervous system occlusion, and deep vein thrombosis in this cohort. On the other hand, lupus nephritis was less frequent in patients with PolyA. This study provides a spotlight of a specific SLE population as real-life evidence for a better characterization of PolyA in the future.

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PURPOSE: To report a case of multiple sclerosis (MS) development in a patient with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and bilateral intermediate uveitis (IU) treated with Adalimumab. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old Colombian woman diagnosed with JIA and bilateral refractory IU treated with methotrexate and Adalimumab with difficult control of the disease and multiple ocular complications. Eight years after starting Adalimumab, the patient presented paresthesia in the left upper limb. Radiologic findings in the brain and cervical spine MRI confirmed the diagnosis of MS. CONCLUSIONS: We reported the first case of MS development in a patient with JIA treated with Adalimumab and the third in a patient with noninfectious uveitis treated with anti-TNFα. It remains uncertain whether MS is secondary to anti-TNFα therapy or is linked to a polyautoimmunity phenomenon.

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OBJECTIVE: The clinical coexistence of two or more autoimmune diseases (ADs) fulfilling classification criteria is termed "overt polyautoimmunity" (PolyA), whereas the presence of autoantibodies unrelated to an index AD, without clinical criteria fulfillment, is known as "latent PolyA". We aimed to explore a new taxonomy of ADs based on PolyA. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 292 subjects, we evaluated the presence of PolyA in 146, 45, 29, 17, and 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), respectively, and 38 healthy controls. Clinical assessment, autoantibody profile (by autoantigen array chip), lymphocytes immunophenotype and cytokine profile (by flow cytometry) were evaluated simultaneously. A mixed cluster methodology was used to classify ADs. RESULTS: Latent PolyA was more frequent than overt PolyA, ranging from 69.9% in RA to 100% in SSc. Nevertheless, both latent and overt PolyA clustered together. Over-expressed IgG autoantibodies were found to be hallmarks for the identification of index ADs. The combination of autoantibodies allowed high accuracy in the classification of ADs. Three well-defined clusters based on PolyA were observed with distinctive clinical and immunological phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study indicates that ADs can be classified according to PolyA. PolyA should be considered in all studies dealing with ADs, including epidemiological, genetic, and clinical trials.

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OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune diseases generate an impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients and are a burden for the health system through hospital admissions and readmissions. The prevalence of readmission of patients with these diseases has not yet been described as a group, but rather as sub-phenotype. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of hospital readmissions in a Colombian population with autoimmunity and the factors related to readmission. METHODS: All patients with autoimmune diseases who were evaluated by the rheumatology service and hospitalized between August 2018 and December 2019 at the Fundación Hospital Infantil Universitario De San José de Bogotá were described. A bivariate analysis was done, and three multivariate logistic regression models were built with the dependent variable being readmission. RESULTS: Of the total 199 admissions, 131 patients were evaluated and 32% were readmitted. The most frequent sub-phenotype in both groups (readmission and no readmission) was SLE (51% and 59%). The most frequent cause of hospitalization and readmission was disease activity (68.7% and 64.3%). History of hypertension was associated with readmission (adjusted OR: 2.98-95% CI: 1.15-7.72). In a second model adjusted for confounding variables, no factor was associated. In a third model analyzing the history of kidney disease and previous use of immunosuppressants (adjusted for confounding variables), the previous use of immunosuppressants was related to readmission (OR: 2.78-95% CI 1.12-6.89). CONCLUSION: Up to a third of patients with autoimmunity were readmitted and arterial hypertension was an associated factor. This suggested a greater systemic compromise and accumulated damage in patients who have these two conditions that may favor readmission. A history of immunosuppressant use may play a role in readmission, possibly by increasing the risk of developing infections.

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OBJECTIVE: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the most common inflammatory disease in patients over 50 years. Information about the disease in Latin America (LATAM) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate a group of Colombian patients with PMR and to conduct a systematic review of PMR in LATAM. METHODS: A multicentric retrospective study was performed. Medical records of 256 PMR patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups, those fulfilling the 2012 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification criteria for PMR and those who did not (i.e., clinical diagnosis). A systematic literature review and meta regression was performed comparing Colombian vs LATAM patients. RESULTS: From 256 patients, 145 (56.6%) fulfilled the 2012 EULAR/ACR criteria, and 111 (43.3%) were classified by clinical diagnosis. Inflammatory bilateral shoulder pain, pelvic girdle aching, morning stiffness >45 min, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CPR), and Methotrexate (MTX) prescription were more common in the 2012 EULAR/ACR group. None of the included patients presented overt polyautoimmunity (PolyA), whereas up to 24% exhibited latent PolyA. In addition, these patients showed high frequency of malignancy (7.59%). In the meta regression analysis, Colombian patients exhibited lower ESR levels, and were less likely to develop giant cell arteritis (GCA) as compared to the rest of LATAM data. CONCLUSION: Patients with PMR in LATAM exhibit similar phenotypes from other cohorts worldwide. Malignancy, GCA and latent PolyA should be considered in the routine clinical follow-up of patients with PMR.

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BACKGROUND: Thyroid autoimmunity is the most frequent condition involved in polyautoimmunity (PolyA). However, the frequency of latent and overt PolyA in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) as the index condition is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of these types of PolyA in patients with AITD as the index condition. METHODS: This study adhered to the relevant sections of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Searches through MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS were done to find articles in Spanish and English. Relevant vocabulary terms and key terms related to AITD and other autoimmune diseases were used. Two investigators independently screened the eligible studies, extracted data and assessed the quality and risk of bias. Fixed and random effect models were used accordingly. Cluster analysis was used to determine similarities among diseases in the articles included (based on Jaccard index). RESULTS: A total of 56 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 25 were case-controls, 17 were cohorts, and 14 were cross-sectional studies. These studies included a total of 47 509 patients. Female was the predominant gender and included 38 950 patients (81.23%, 95% CI: 80.85-81.60). Graves' disease (GD) was the most common type of thyroid autoimmunity (69.16%, 95% CI: 68.23-70.07). Globally, overt PolyA was found in 13.46% of the patients with AITD. This type of PolyA was represented mainly by type 1 diabetes and autoimmune gastritis. Latent PolyA was presented in 17.45% of the patients, and anti-proinsulin, anti-parietal cells and dsDNA antibodies were the most common. HT had the highest frequency of overt PolyA in Europe (15.60%, 95% CI: 14.72-16.53), whereas latent PolyA was most common in patients with GD in Asia (21.03%, 95% CI: 17.76-24.71). Overt and latent PolyA were associated with gastrointestinal and endocrinological ADs in most of cases and clustered with rheumatological, dermatological and neurological ADs. CONCLUSIONS: Latent and overt PolyA are common in patients with AITD. These results provide insightful information for early diagnosis and management of concurrent ADs in patients with AITD. Aggregation of ADs in different clusters may help to define different phenotypes associated with thyroid autoimmunity that are critically relevant in clinical settings.

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The relevance of polyautoimmunity, defined as the presence of 2or more autoimmune diseases in the same individual, is one of the issues not yet elucidated in medical practice. The coexistence of myasthenia gravis (MG) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinical challenge due to the possible differential diagnoses of muscle involvement in patients with SLE. We present the case of a patient who came to the emergency room of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá, Colombia, with a previous diagnosis of SLE, who developed acute weakness in the context of a systemic infection, with a clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis of MG.

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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by neurological symptoms and signs of progressive weakness, paresthesias, and sensory dysfunction. Other symptoms include reduced or absent tendon reflexes, cranial nerve involvement, autonomic symptoms, ataxia, and neuropathic pain. Unlike other autoimmune diseases, CIDP generally affects older individuals and has a male predominance. The onset is generally insidious and can take up to 8 weeks with a relapsing-recovery pattern. Like all autoimmune diseases, the etiology is multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to it. Case reports of CIDP have found associations with multiple pathogenic organisms including Hepatitis B and C viruses, Bartonella henselae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Human immunodeficiency virus, Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. Possible antigenic self-targets include myelin protein 0, myelin protein 2, peripheral myelin protein 22, Connexin 32, and myelin basic protein. Antibodies targeting the Ranvier node proteins such as contactin-1, contactin-associated protein 1, and neurofascin 155 have been described. CIDP is treated with rehabilitation and pharmacological modalities. Pharmacological treatments target autoimmune dysfunction and include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, subcutaneous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, and mycophenolate mofetil. Although there are few observational studies and randomized clinical trials with limited evidence supporting the use of immunosuppressive drugs, they are widely used in clinical practice. A comprehensive review of CIDP is presented herein in light of the autoimmune tautology.

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The coexistence of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has been documented. However, there is no consensus whether this coexistence should be considered as the same nosological condition or as polyautoimmunity. Thus, in this monocentric retrospective study, patients with SS alone (i.e., primary) were compared with patients with SS and AITD. In addition, a discussion of previous studies including those about genetic and environmental factors influencing the development of both conditions is presented. In our series, all patients with AITD had Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). No significant differences in age, gender, age of disease onset, and disease duration were found between the two groups. Lymphadenopathy and urticaria were more frequently registered in patients with SS-HT than in patients with SS alone (p < 0.05). Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were more frequent in the primary SS group (p = 0.01). SS-HT patients were more likely to report a positive history of smoking (p = 0.03). The clinical expression of SS varies slightly when HT coexists. Although both entities share common physiopathological mechanisms as part of the autoimmune tautology, they are nosologically different and their coexistence should be interpreted as polyautoimmunity. Further studies based on polyautoimmunity would allow establishing a new taxonomy of autoimmune diseases.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate symptomatic polyautoimmunity (PA) at childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus(cSLE) diagnosis, and its association with demographic data, disease activity, clinical manifestations and laboratorial abnormalities in a large Brazilian cSLE population. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 1463 cSLE(ACR criteria) patients from 27 Pediatric Rheumatology services. Symptomatic PA was defined according to the presence of more than one concomitant autoimmune disease(AD) and symptomatic multiple autoimmune syndrome(MAS) was defined as three or more AD. An investigator meeting was held to define the protocol. Demographic data, SLICC classification criteria and SLEDAI-2K were evaluated. RESULTS: At cSLE diagnosis symptomatic PA was observed in 144/1463(9.8%) and symptomatic MAS occurred in solely 10/1463(0.7%). In the former group the more frequently observed associated AD were Hashimoto thyroiditis n = 42/144(29%), antiphospholipid syndrome n = 42/144(29%), autoimmune hepatitis n = 26/144(18%) and type 1 diabetes mellitus n = 23/144(15.9%). Further comparisons between cSLE patients with and without PA showed a higher median age(p = 0.016) and lower mean SLICC criteria (p = 0.039) in those with PA. Additionally, these cSLE patients had less renal involvement(35% vs. 44%, p = 0.038) and red blood cell cast(6% vs. 12%, p = 0.042) and more antiphospholipid antibodies(29% vs. 15%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 10% of cSLE had symptomatic PA at diagnosis, particularly endocrine autoimmune disorders and antiphospholipid syndrome. Lupus was characterized by a mild disease onset and MAS was infrequently evidenced. Further studies are necessary to determine if this subgroup of cSLE patients have a distinct genetic background with a less severe disease and a better long-term outcome.

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Autoimmune diseases share common immunopathogenic mechanisms (i.e., the autoimmune tautology), which explain the clinical similarities among them as well as their familial clustering. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, has been recently associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. Based on a series of cases, this review article provides a comparative analysis of GBS associated with ZIKV infection, contrasted with the general characteristics of GBS in light of the autoimmune tautology, including gender differences in prevalence, subphenotypes, polyautoimmunity, familial autoimmunity, age at onset, pathophysiology, ecology, genetics, ancestry, and treatment.

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INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, characterized by a triad of vascular injury, autoimmunity and tissue fibrosis. It is known that a positive family history is the greatest risk factor already identified for the development of SSc in a given individual. Preliminary observation of a high prevalence of polyautoimmunity and of familial autoimmunity in SSc patients support the idea that different autoimmune phenotypes may share common susceptibility variants. OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency of familial autoimmunity and polyautoimmunity in 60 SSc patients in the Midwest region of Brazil, as well as to report the main autoimmune diseases observed in this association of comorbidities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with recruitment of 60 consecutive patients selected at the Rheumatology Department, University Hospital, Medicine School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (FMUFMS), as well as interviews of their relatives during the period from February 2013 to March 2014. RESULTS: A frequency of 43.3% of polyautoimmunity and of 51.7% of familial autoimmunity in SSc patients was found. Patients with the presence of polyautoimmunity and familial autoimmunity presented primarily the diffuse form of SSc, but this indicator did not reach statistical significance. The autoimmune diseases most frequently observed in polyautoimmunity patients were: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (53.8%), Sjögren's syndrome (38.5%), and inflammatory myopathy (11.5%). The main autoimmune diseases observed in SSc patients' relatives were: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (32.3%), rheumatoid arthritis (22.6%), and SLE (22.6%). The presence of more than one autoimmune disease in SSc patients did not correlate with disease severity or activity. CONCLUSIONS: From the high prevalence of coexisting autoimmune diseases found in SSc patients, we stress the importance of the concept of shared autoimmunity, in order to promote a continued vigilance and promptly diagnose other possible autoimmune disease in patients, or in their kin.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, characterized by a triad of vascular injury, autoimmunity and tissue fibrosis. It is known that a positive family history is the greatest risk factor already identified for the development of SSc in a given individual. Preliminary observation of a high prevalence of polyautoimmunity and of familial autoimmunity in SSc patients support the idea that different autoimmune phenotypes may share common susceptibility variants. Objectives: To describe the frequency of familial autoimmunity and polyautoimmunity in 60 SSc patients in the Midwest region of Brazil, as well as to report the main autoimmune diseases observed in this association of comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional study with recruitment of 60 consecutive patients selected at the Rheumatology Department, University Hospital, Medicine School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (FMUFMS), as well as interviews of their relatives during the period from February 2013 to March 2014. Results: A frequency of 43.3% of polyautoimmunity and of 51.7% of familial autoimmunity in SSc patients was found. Patients with the presence of polyautoimmunity and familial autoimmunity presented primarily the diffuse form of SSc, but this indicator did not reach statistical significance. The autoimmune diseases most frequently observed in polyautoimmunity patients were: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (53.8%), Sjögren's syndrome (38.5%), and inflammatory myopathy (11.5%). The main autoimmune diseases observed in SSc patients' relatives were: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (32.3%), rheumatoid arthritis (22.6%), and SLE (22.6%). The presence of more than one autoimmune disease in SSc patients did not correlate with disease severity or activity. Conclusions: From the high prevalence of coexisting autoimmune diseases found in SSc patients, we stress the importance of the concept of shared autoimmunity, in order to promote a continued vigilance and promptly diagnose other possible autoimmune disease in patients, or in their kin.

RESUMO Introdução: A esclerose sistêmica (ES) é uma enfermidade do tecido conjuntivo de etiologia desconhecida, caracterizada pela tríade de injúria vascular, autoimunidade e fibrose tecidual. Sabe-se que uma história familiar positiva representa o maior fator de risco já identificado para o desenvolvimento da ES em um determinado indivíduo. Observação prévia de alta prevalência de poliautoimunidade e de autoimunidade familiar em pacientes com ES reforça a ideia de que fenótipos autoimunes distintos podem dividir variantes comuns de susceptibilidade. Objetivos: Descrever a frequência de autoimunidade familiar e de poliautoimunidade em 60 pacientes com ES da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, bem como relatar as principais doenças autoimunes observadas nessa associação de comorbidades. Métodos: Estudo transversal com recrutamento de 60 pacientes consecutivos, selecionados no Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital Universitário da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (FMUFMS), bem como entrevista de seus parentes, de fevereiro de 2013 a março de 2014. Resultados: Foi encontrada uma frequência de 43,3% de poliautoimunidade e de 51,7% de autoimunidade familiar nos pacientes com ES. Os pacientes com presença de poliautoimunidade e de autoimunidade familiar eram principalmente da forma difusa de ES, porém esse índice não atingiu significância estatística. As doenças autoimunes mais comumente observadas nos pacientes com poliautoimunidade foram: tireoidite de Hashimoto (53,8%), síndrome de Sjögren (38,5%) e miopatia inflamatória (11,5%). As principais doenças autoimunes observadas nos parentes dos pacientes com ES foram: tireoidite de Hashimoto (32,3%), artrite reumatoide (22,6%) e LES (22,6%). A presença de mais de uma enfermidade autoimune em pacientes com ES não se correlacionou com maior gravidade ou atividade da doença. Conclusões: A partir da alta prevalência encontrada de doenças autoimunes coexistentes em pacientes com ES, salientamos a importância do conceito de autoimunidade compartilhada, de forma a promover uma vigilância constante e diagnosticar prontamente uma possível outra doença autoimune nos pacientes ou em seus parentes.

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Autoimmune diseases (ADs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect specific target organs or multiple organ systems. These conditions share common immunopathogenic mechanisms (i.e., the autoimmune tautology), which explain the clinical similarities they have among them as well as their familial clustering (i.e., coaggregation). As part of the autoimmune tautology, the influence of environmental exposure on the risk of developing ADs is paramount (i.e., the autoimmune ecology). In fact, environment, more than genetics, shapes immune system. Autoimmune ecology is akin to exposome, that is all the exposures - internal and external - across the lifespan, interacting with hereditary factors (both genetics and epigenetics) to favor or protect against autoimmunity and its outcomes. Herein, we provide an overview of the autoimmune ecology, focusing on the immune response to environmental agents in general, and microbiota, cigarette smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption, socioeconomic status (SES), gender and sex hormones, vitamin D, organic solvents, and vaccines in particular. Inclusion of the autoimmune ecology in disease etiology and health will improve the way personalized medicine is currently conceived and applied.

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Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are often diagnosed according to classification criteria; however, they share similar subphenotypes including signs and symptoms, non-specific autoantibodies and other immune changes, which are prone to taxonomic problems. Polyautoimmunity is defined as the presence of more than one AD in a single patient. The close relationship between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus has been studied throughout the years. However, APS may coexist with several other ADs confirming polyautoimmunity in this systemic disease. Herein, we summarized the common characteristics shared between APS and others ADs in light of the autoimmune tautology (that is, common mechanisms of autoimmune diseases).

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