The overall estimated prevalence of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in western societies is 5-7%. Interestingly, the European Working Group on Immune-Mediated  Inflammatory Diseases has initiated a forum to foster collaborations in this important clinical field which includes diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis. All three diseases have similar pathophysiology and are treated by common biological therapies including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. 

Gender differences are observed for RA and IBD with female: male incidence ratios of 3:1 and 1:1.5, respectively. These differences have been suggested to be caused by differences in treatment administered to men and women.This plausible explanation has been investigated by Prof van Vollenhoven and colleagues …

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Stroke
occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, resulting in cell
damage and death due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Facial weakness,
arm weakness, difficulty with speech and time to call emergency services
(FAST
test) are the most common signs of stroke. A stroke can happen in two
main ways: either when a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot or
plaque, termed ischemic stroke or when a blood vessel is ruptured, known as hemorrhagic stroke. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini stroke is caused by a temporary blood clot and is indicative of a more serious risk of a future stroke.

Stroke is a …

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