AI Article Synopsis
- Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease marked by the immune system forming granulomas in various organs, especially the lungs and lymph nodes, with an unclear cause possibly linked to genetic susceptibility and unidentified antigens.
- Recent advancements have improved the understanding of diagnosis and treatment, including better use of endobronchial ultrasound and PET scans to assess disease activity and manage debilitating symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues.
- Patients with sarcoidosis face a higher mortality rate due to complications like pulmonary fibrosis, driving future research towards identifying the disease's cause and developing effective treatments for those with severe or persistent symptoms.
Article Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown cause that is characterised by the formation of immune granulomas in various organs, mainly the lungs and the lymphatic system. Studies show that sarcoidosis might be the result of an exaggerated granulomatous reaction after exposure to unidentified antigens in individuals who are genetically susceptible. Several new insights have been made, particularly with regards to the diagnosis and care of some important manifestations of sarcoidosis. The indications for endobronchial ultrasound in diagnosis and for PET in the assessment of inflammatory activity are now better specified. Recognition of unexplained persistent disabling symptoms, fatigue, small-fibre neurological impairment, cognitive failure, and changes to health state and quality of life, has improved. Mortality in patients with sarcoidosis is higher than that of the general population, mainly due to pulmonary fibrosis. Predicted advances for the future are finding the cause of sarcoidosis, and the elucidation of relevant biomarkers, reliable endpoints, and new efficient treatments, particularly in patients with refractory sarcoidosis, lung fibrosis, and those with persistent disabling symptoms.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60680-7 | DOI Listing |
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