According to the Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee (ADCC), between 14.7 and 23.5 million people in the USA-up to eight percent of the population-are affected by autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are a family of more than 100 chronic, and often disabling, illnesses that develop when underlying defects in the immune system lead the body to attack its own organs, tissues, and cells. In Diagnostic Criteria in Autoimmune Disease, the editors have gathered in a comprehensive handbook a critical review, by renowned experts, of more than 100 autoimmune diseases, divided into two main groups, namely systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. A contemporary overview of these conditions with special emphasis on diagnosis is presented. Each chapter contains the essential information required by attending physicians as well as bench scientists to understand the definition of a specific autoimmune disease, the diagnostic criteria, and the treatment.

From the reviews:

"The textbook by Shoenfeld, Cervera and Gershwin is a timely publication in this field. Together with a large group of experts, they have made up a comprehensive handbook, touching on more than 100 autoimmune diseases, both systematic and organ-specific. ? A solid reference textbook on the shelve will be highly appreciated by the clinician. Also bench scientists will find this a clear and useful source of information." (Filip De Keyser, Acta Clinica Belgica, Vol. 65 (2), 2010)