Pathophysiology and Treatment of the Autoimmune Cytopenias
Program Code: 9209-S
Sunday, October 25, 2009
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
John Semple, PhD, St. Michael's Hospital

SPEAKERS
Jay H. Herman, MD, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
John Semple, PhD, St. Michael's Hospital
James Zimring, MD, PhD, Puget Sound Blood Center Research Institute

DESCRIPTION
Autoimmunity is present in everyone to some extent, but it is usually harmless and probably a universal phenomenon of vertebrate life. Autoimmune diseases are defined when the progression from benign autoimmunity to pathogenic autoimmunity occurs. This progression is determined by at least three major mechanisms; genetic influences, immune dysregulation and environmental triggers. This education program will outline the basic pathophysiology of autoimmune reactions against platelets (ITP) and red blood cells (AIHA) and will then discuss the various treatment options for both disorders.