Lupus Note: Why is a splenectomy necessary for low platelet count?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common rheumatologic disease in Hong Kong, characterized by a chronic inflammatory joint disease caused by an abnormal autoimmune response. This inflammation can affect multiple joints throughout the body, leading to persistent erosion and deformity, eventually destroying joint structures. It not only causes severe pain but also significantly impacts the patient’s mobility, posing a threat to their health and reducing their quality of life.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's tissues and organs, leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage.

Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis are two autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the muscles and skin. They belong to a group of rheumatic diseases known as myositis, where the immune system attacks the muscle tissue, causing inflammation and damage.