Connective tissue diseases

Abstract

This chapter covers the connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Churg–Strauss syndrome), and microscopic polyangiitis), polyarteritis nodosa, and Behçet’s disease. For each example of a connective tissue disease it provides an overview of the condition and classification criteria, alongside the prognosis. Techniques and tricks for diagnosis, clinical features, assessment tools, and treatment are all covered. Key points of nursing care are described, including the nurse’s role in treatment with thalidomide and cyclophosphamide, and any particular organs that can be affected is detailed.