CAR-T cell therapy in rheumatic diseases

CAR-T cell therapy, originally developed to treat blood cancers, is now being explored as a treatment for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. This therapy works by genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to produce special receptors (CARs) that help them target and destroy harmful immune cells.

The review discusses how CAR-T therapy could help in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). In SLE, it shows promise in removing harmful B cells and helping patients stay in remission. In tough-to-treat RA, it may kill immune cells that fuel the disease. For SSc, CAR-T therapy could target both abnormal B cell activity and tissue scarring (fibrosis), which are key parts of the illness.

There’s also growing interest in using CAR-T therapy for other autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and dermatomyositis.

While CAR-T therapy offers precise and long-lasting immune control, there are still challenges like serious side effects, immune reactions, and high costs. New approaches, like CAR-Tregs (regulatory T cells) and advanced gene-editing, might make the treatment safer and more specific.

More research and clinical trials are needed to confirm how effective, safe, and affordable CAR-T therapy is for autoimmune diseases. Still, this treatment has the potential to significantly improve care for patients with hard-to-treat rheumatic conditions.

SUMMARY:

CAR-T cell therapy, first used for blood cancers, is being explored for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

It works by modifying T cells to target and kill harmful immune cells.

Promising results have been seen in:

• SLE: Targets autoreactive B cells to maintain remission.
• RA: Helps eliminate disease-driving immune cells in tough cases.
• SSc: May reduce abnormal B cell activity and tissue fibrosis.

Potential applications are emerging in Sjögren’s syndrome and dermatomyositis.

Benefits: Targeted action, long-lasting effects, minimal overall immune suppression.

Challenges: Risk of cytokine release syndrome, immune toxicity, and high costs.

Future improvements may come from:

• CAR-Tregs (regulatory cells for better control),
• Gene-editing for more precision and safety.

More trials and long-term studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and affordability.

Overall, CAR-T therapy could transform treatment for difficult autoimmune diseases.

SOURCE: Patil, H., Bharadwaj, R.K., Dutta, N. et al. CAR-T cell therapy in rheumatic diseases: a review article. 2025 Clinical Rheumatology  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-025-07451-7

The Microbiota in human health

The microbiota — all the tiny bugs living in and on us — plays a huge role in keeping us healthy. It helps with things like digestion, immune defense, and even brain health. Everyone’s microbiota is unique, like a fingerprint, so future treatments could be personalized just for you. Scientists are still learning how it all connects, but understanding it better could lead to new ways to prevent and treat a lot of serious diseases, making life healthier and better for everyone.

When the balance of these microorganisms is disturbed (called dysbiosis), it can lead to diseases like diabetes, autoimmune problems, brain disorders, and heart disease. Keeping the microbiota healthy is important for overall health, and treatments like probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and microbiome transplants are showing promise in restoring balance and preventing chronic illnesses.

A recent large review looks at how the microbiota affects our health and highlights new ways to use treatments like probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplants to help prevent and manage diseases.

Everyone has a unique set of tiny microbes living in their body, and they play a huge role in our health. By studying a person’s microbiota with special tests, doctors can spot early signs of diseases like diabetes, autoimmune problems, and brain disorders, and even create personalized treatments.

In real life, changing your diet or using things like probiotics (good bacteria), prebiotics (food for good bacteria), and postbiotics (helpful stuff made by bacteria) can help keep your gut healthy. Foods like yogurt, kefir, garlic, onions, and whole grains are great for your microbiota. Some special new probiotics are being tested and could help with serious problems like obesity, diabetes, and gut diseases.

But quick fixes don't work — you usually need to stick with these changes for at least three months to see real results.

Another interesting approach is microbiota transplants, where healthy gut bacteria from someone else are used to fix serious infections. They're super effective for some conditions and are being tested for others like skin and gynecological issues.

Plus, your microbiota can even affect how medicines work in your body. Matching treatments to your personal microbiota could make medications work better and cause fewer side effects.

In short: taking care of your microbiota could be a game-changer for staying healthy and treating diseases in a much more personalized way.

RESOURCE: The Microbiota–Human Health Axis published April 20, 2025 in MDPI

Antioxidant Therapies: A New Boost in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

 In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), something called oxidative stress—basically too many harmful molecules and not enough defenses—plays a big part in making inflammation worse and damaging joints.

Some natural remedies and antioxidant treatments, like certain foods and supplements, might actually help. Things like turmeric (curcumin), red wine compounds (resveratrol), broccoli extract (sulforaphane), bee propolis, and NAC have shown potential to calm the immune system and reduce damage. This has been studied in 

Antioxidant Therapies as Emerging Adjuncts in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Targeting Oxidative Stress to Enhance Treatment Outcomes

Vitamins and even treatments using molecular hydrogen could also help bring the body back into balance and boost overall health. While early research looks promising, scientists still need to do more studies to figure out how well these options really work.

In the future, these kinds of treatments might become a bigger part of RA care—especially as medicine becomes more personalized. The big goal is to not just treat the symptoms, but help people feel better and avoid long-term joint problems.

🧪 Antioxidants as Supportive RA Therapies

Antioxidants are getting a lot of attention for helping with RA because oxidative stress plays a big role in the disease. They not only clean up harmful molecules (ROS), but also calm down the immune response and inflammation. When used alongside standard treatments like DMARDs, they might boost results and ease side effects.

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🌿 1. Curcumin (from turmeric)

• Fights inflammation by blocking the NF-κB pathway.

• Activates Nrf2, which boosts antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx).

• Helps balance the immune system — lowers bad cytokines like IL-17, boosts Tregs.

• Clinical studies show it can reduce inflammation and joint pain.

• Bioavailability is low, so it's often taken with piperine or in special forms (like nanoparticles).

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🍷 2. Resveratrol & Other Polyphenols

• Found in red wine, grapes, etc.

• Stops bone damage by blocking osteoclasts and calming inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, MAPK).

• Boosts mitochondrial health and reduces damaging enzymes (MMPs).

• Other helpful polyphenols:

  • Quercetin (in apples/onions): antioxidant, reduces TNF-α and IL-6.

  • EGCG (green tea): reduces joint damage and inflammation.

  • Pomegranate extract: lowers TNF-α, IL-1β, boosts HO-1.

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💊 3. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

• Boosts glutathione, a powerful internal antioxidant.

• Blocks NF-κB, reduces CRP and ESR (inflammatory markers).

• Protects joints by stopping aggressive synovial fibroblasts and overactive osteoclasts.

• Shown to help in both animal studies and early clinical trials.

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🥦 4. Sulforaphane (from broccoli)

• Activates Nrf2 and reduces NF-κB activity.

• Calms down overactive immune cells like B and T lymphocytes.

• Decreases IL-17 and autoantibody production.

• Can shift immune balance, reduce inflammation, and protect joints.

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🐝 5. Propolis (bee resin)

• Blocks NF-κB and reduces cytokines like IL-6 and IL-17.

• Boosts antioxidant enzymes and reduces oxidative stress.

• Modulates immune system: suppresses Th17 and supports Tregs.

• Results from clinical trials are mixed — some forms (like Brazilian propolis) show promise, others not so much.

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💨 6. Molecular Hydrogen (H₂)

• Targets the worst ROS (like •OH and ONOO⁻) without messing with good ones like H₂O₂.

• Super tiny — easily enters cells, even mitochondria, to reduce stress and damage.

• Activates Nrf2, blocks NF-κB, and reduces inflammation.

• Can be inhaled, drunk (as H₂-rich water), injected, or used in baths.

• Safe and promising, especially for chronic inflammation.

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💊 7. Vitamins (D, B12, C, K)

• Vitamin D: immune modulator, helps bones, reduces RA symptoms.

• Vitamin B12: often low in RA patients, especially those on methotrexate; helps nerves, energy, and lowers homocysteine.

• Vitamin C: strong antioxidant, supports collagen (joint health), but dose carefully.

• Vitamin K: supports bone health and helps control inflammation.

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✅ Final Takeaway:

Natural antioxidants—whether from food, supplements, or things like hydrogen—show real promise for helping manage RA. They work by calming inflammation, protecting cells, and boosting the body's own defense systems. Most need more clinical research, but as add-ons to standard RA treatments, they’re worth watching.

Read study report:

Antioxidant Therapies as Emerging Adjuncts in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Targeting Oxidative Stress to Enhance Treatment Outcomes by 

Rafał Bilski

 & 

Jarosław Nuszkiewicz from Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University,  Poland in MDPI, March 2025.

Related topics:

Turmeric benefits

Supplements for Pain and Inflammation Relief

Vitamin C: Aiding the immune system

Measures to identify unmet medical needs of children and adults with autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases

 

Patients with autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases face tough challenges in terms of their physical, mental, and social health, and they have many medical needs that are not being fully addressed. To help these patients, it's important to clearly understand what these unmet needs are. One way to gather this information is through Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), which are reports from patients about their own health issues. These reports are very useful in understanding what patients truly need.

This article looks at established ways to measure PROs to determine which are best for identifying the unmet needs of patients with autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare met to discuss these measures and also considered the possibility of using technology to collect PRO data electronically.

The experts suggested 28 potential measures, both specific to certain diseases and general ones. They emphasized the importance of making sure the measures are clearly understood in different languages and noted that the results from adults and children should not be mixed. They also discussed the challenges of moving from paper-based PRO measures to digital ones, mainly because of concerns about accuracy and a lack of technical and financial resources.

For non-disease-specific PRO measures, the experts recommended KINDL® and EQ-5D-Y for children, and SF-36v2® and EQ-5D™ for adults.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what these terms refer to:

1. KINDL®: This is a questionnaire specifically designed to measure the quality of life in children. It looks at various aspects of a child's well-being, like their physical health, emotional state, and social life.

2. EQ-5D-Y: This is a version of the EQ-5D, which is used to assess the general health of children. The "Y" stands for "Youth," so it's tailored for younger patients. It focuses on five areas: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression.

3. SF-36v2®: This is a survey used to measure health-related quality of life in adults. It covers a wide range of health aspects like physical functioning, pain, mental health, and social well-being. The "v2" indicates it's the second version, with updates for better accuracy and clarity.

4. EQ-5D™: This is a general health measure used for both adults and children. Like the EQ-5D-Y, it looks at five key areas (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) but is meant for a broader age group.

These tools help doctors and researchers understand how diseases and treatments affect a person's day-to-day life and well-being.

READ ORIGINAL JOURNAL REPORT: Consideration of useful patient-reported outcome measures to identify unmet medical needs of children and adults with autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases published in Modern Rheumatology April 2025.

Lupus in children

Lupus in children, also known as pediatric lupus, is a rare but serious autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body. Normally, the immune system defends us against harmful things like viruses and bacteria, but in lupus, it mistakenly targets parts of the body like the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and other organs.

Types of Lupus in Children

The most common type of lupus in children is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This form affects multiple parts of the body and can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of Lupus in Children

Lupus symptoms can vary a lot, and some kids may have mild symptoms while others experience more severe issues. Common symptoms include:

• Skin rashes, often a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose

• Joint pain or swelling, which might affect knees, wrists, and hands

• Fatigue, feeling tired all the time

• Fever without a clear cause

• Sensitivity to sunlight (the skin can get worse with sun exposure)

• Hair loss or thinning hair

• Swelling in the legs or around the eyes

• Mouth sores or ulcers

Diagnosis

Diagnosing lupus in children can be tough since the symptoms can look like other conditions. Doctors typically use a combination of:

• Blood tests to check for specific antibodies associated with lupus

• Physical exams to assess signs like rashes or joint swelling

• Urine tests to check kidney function, as lupus can affect the kidneys

Treatment

While there’s no cure for lupus, the goal is to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Treatment often includes:

• Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the immune system’s attack on the body.

• Regular check-ups to monitor how the disease is progressing, especially kidney function and organ health.

• Lifestyle changes, such as using sunscreen to protect from sun sensitivity, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough rest.

Impact on Children

Living with lupus can be tough for kids. They may need to take regular medications, and they might miss school or other activities due to feeling unwell. The condition can also affect their social life and emotional health, so strong support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is important. Talking with a counselor or support groups can help kids cope with the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness.

Outlook

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many children with lupus can live active lives. Some may have long periods where their symptoms are under control, while others might experience flare-ups that require additional treatment. The key is to catch it early and manage the disease effectively.

Conclusion

Lupus in children is a serious condition, but with the right treatment, children can lead fulfilling lives. Awareness, early diagnosis, and good medical care are crucial for managing the disease and helping kids stay as healthy as possible.

Support for Children and Teens with Lupus in Australia

1. Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) – Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
ChIPS is a peer support program for young people aged 12 and over living with chronic illnesses, including lupus. It provides a safe space for teens to connect, share experiences, and support each other. ​Royal Children's Hospital

2. Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA)
MHA offers peer support groups for various musculoskeletal conditions, including lupus. They have groups tailored to specific conditions and age groups, such as "Teen Talk" for adolescents. ​Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA)

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Support for Families and Caregivers

1. Lupus Association of NSW
This organization provides support groups across New South Wales for individuals with lupus and their families. They also offer resources for those interested in starting their own local support groups. ​Lupus Association of NSW Inc.

2. Lupus Victoria
Lupus Victoria facilitates support groups that offer a safe and empathetic space for individuals with lupus, their families, and caregivers. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies. ​Lupus Victoria

3. Arthritis Queensland

While primarily focused on arthritis, this organization offers online support groups and a peer-mentor telephone service called 'Arthritis Assist,' which can be beneficial for families dealing with lupus. ​Arthritis Queensland

These organizations can provide valuable support and resources for children with lupus and their families.

🌍 Global Support Resources

1. Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)

• Offers a dedicated section for children and teens, providing educational materials and resources.​

• Hosts virtual support groups, including:​LUPUS LA -

  • Asian Lupus Support Group: A national, virtual group for those in the Asian community living with lupus and their loved ones.​Lupus Foundation of America

  • Spanish-language Lupus Support Group: A virtual group for Spanish-speaking members of the lupus community and their loved ones.​

• Provides LupusConnect, an online community where people with lupus and their loved ones can connect.​

• Find more information at lupus.org.​

2. Lupus LA

• Hosts a Teen Support Group for ages 14–18, meeting virtually.​

• Offers bilingual support groups in partnership with Looms4Lupus, accommodating both English and Spanish speakers.​LUPUS LA -

• For more details, visit lupusla.org.​LUPUS LA -

3. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) – Charla de Lupus

• Provides peer support groups where teens with lupus offer support and education to each other.​Hospital for Special Surgery+1sflupussupport.org+1

• Parents or caregivers participate in separate sessions to share experiences and support.​Hospital for Special Surgery

• Learn more at hss.edu.​Hospital for Special Surgery+1sflupussupport.org+1

4. Lupus Kids

• An education and outreach program offering resources and a message of hope for children with rheumatic illnesses and their families.​Lupus Kids

• Provides activities, health information, and a community for kids to ask questions and meet others.​Lupus Kids

• Visit lupuskids.org for more information.​Lupus Kids

5. The Hibbs Lupus Trust (UK)

• Offers support and information to anyone affected by lupus, including children and teens.​

• Provides a telephone support helpline, online forum, and face-to-face support meetings.​Wikipedia

• Find out more at hibbslupustrust.org.​

Understanding coeliac disease

Whether you call it celiac disease or coeliac disease it is the same thing.

Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about coeliac disease, from its symptoms to the necessity of a gluten free diet.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues when gluten is eaten. 

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. 

This immune response damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to poor nutrient absorption and various digestive and non-digestive symptoms.

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include:

• Digestive symptoms: Diarrhea, bloating, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, and gas

• Nutritional deficiencies: Due to poor absorption of nutrients, leading to anemia, osteoporosis, and weight loss

• Other symptoms: Fatigue, skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), headaches, joint pain, infertility, and neurological issues like numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Causes & Triggers

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is linked to genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in people with a family history of the condition and those with other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis involves:

• Blood tests to check for specific antibodies

• Endoscopy with a biopsy to assess damage in the small intestine

The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and cause long-term damage.

Foods to Avoid (Contain Gluten)

🚫 Wheat-Based Foods

• Bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, and baked goods

• Wheat flour, whole wheat, wheat bran, and wheat starch

🚫 Other Gluten-Containing Grains

• Barley (including malt, malt vinegar, malt extract)

• Rye

• Triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye)

• Some oats (unless labeled gluten-free, due to cross-contamination)

🚫 Processed Foods That May Contain Hidden Gluten

• Soy sauce, salad dressings, marinades

• Some soups, sauces, and gravies (thickened with flour)

• Flavored chips, fries, or seasonings

• Beer and some alcoholic beverages

• Processed meats (sausages, deli meats)

• Some chocolates, candies, and ice creams

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Safe Gluten-Free Foods

✅ Naturally Gluten-Free Grains & Starches

• Rice (white, brown, wild)

• Quinoa

• Corn & cornmeal

• Buckwheat

• Millet

• Sorghum

• Certified gluten-free oats

✅ Protein Sources

• Fresh meat, poultry, fish (unprocessed)

• Eggs

• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)

• Nuts and seeds

✅ Dairy Products

• Milk, yogurt, cheese (check for additives)

✅ Fruits & Vegetables

• All fresh fruits and vegetables

✅ Gluten-Free Alternatives

• Gluten-free bread, pasta, and cereals (labeled "gluten-free")

• Gluten-free flour (almond, coconut, chickpea, rice flour)

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Important Tips for a Gluten-Free Diet

🔹 Read Labels Carefully – Gluten can hide in unexpected places like sauces, seasonings, and processed foods. Always check for “gluten-free” certification.
🔹 Avoid Cross-Contamination – Use separate utensils, toasters, and cooking areas to prevent gluten exposure.
🔹 Dine Out Cautiously – Ask about gluten-free preparation when eating at restaurants.
🔹 Supplements & Medications – Some contain gluten; check labels or consult a pharmacist.

🍽 Gluten-Free Meal Ideas

🥞 Breakfast

✅ Gluten-Free Oatmeal – Certified gluten-free oats with almond milk, banana, and honey
✅ Egg & Avocado Toast – Scrambled eggs on gluten-free bread with avocado and tomato
✅ Smoothie Bowl – Blended banana, berries, and yogurt topped with nuts and seeds
✅ Chia Pudding – Chia seeds soaked in coconut milk with maple syrup and berries
✅ Gluten-Free Pancakes – Made with almond or rice flour

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🥗 Lunch

✅ Grilled Chicken Salad – Mixed greens, grilled chicken, avocado, nuts, and a gluten-free dressing
✅ Quinoa & Veggie Bowl – Quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and a lemon dressing
✅ Rice Paper Wraps – Stuffed with shrimp, veggies, and a gluten-free peanut sauce
✅ Gluten-Free Sandwich – Turkey, cheese, and spinach on gluten-free bread
✅ Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with ground turkey, rice, and spices

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🍲 Dinner

✅ Grilled Salmon & Roasted Veggies – With olive oil and herbs
✅ Gluten-Free Pasta – Made from brown rice or chickpeas, with marinara sauce and veggies
✅ Taco Bowls – Corn tortillas or a bowl with ground beef, salsa, and avocado
✅ Stir-Fry – Chicken or tofu with veggies over rice (use gluten-free soy sauce)
✅ Shepherd’s Pie – Mashed potatoes over seasoned beef and veggies

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🍪 Snacks & Desserts

✅ Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter & Banana
✅ Hummus with Carrot & Cucumber Sticks
✅ Popcorn with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
✅ Yogurt with Gluten-Free Granola
✅ Dark Chocolate & Almonds
✅ Gluten-Free Brownies (made with almond flour)

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🛒 Recommended Gluten-Free Brands & Products

Here are some trusted brands that make certified gluten-free products:

🥖 Bread & Baking

• Udi’s – Gluten-free bread, muffins, bagels

• Canyon Bakehouse – Sandwich bread, burger buns

• King Arthur – Gluten-free flour and baking mixes

• Bob’s Red Mill – Almond, rice, and oat flour

🍝 Pasta & Grains

• Barilla Gluten-Free Pasta

• Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta

• Banza Chickpea Pasta

• Ancient Harvest Quinoa

🥣 Cereal & Snacks

• Chex Cereal (Rice & Corn)

• Kind Bars

• LÄRABAR (most flavors)

• Enjoy Life Cookies & Snacks

🌮 Sauces & Condiments

• Tamari (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce) – San-J brand

• Annie’s Naturals – Gluten-free salad dressings

• Sir Kensington’s Ketchup & Mayo

🍻 Beverages

• Gluten-Free Beer – Omission, New Grist

• Hard Ciders – Angry Orchard, Strongbow

• Safe Alcohols – Wine, tequila, rum, and most vodkas

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✨ Final Tips

✔ Meal Prep – Plan ahead to avoid gluten exposure
✔ Grocery Shop Smart – Look for "Certified Gluten-Free" labels
✔ Experiment – Try different gluten-free flours and grains to find your favorites.

More reliable sources of information about coeliac disease: with evidence based and up to date resources:

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🌍 International Organizations & Medical Sources

1️⃣ Coeliac UK – A leading charity in the UK providing research, support, and dietary guidance.

2️⃣ Celiac Disease Foundation (USA) – Offers education, gluten-free diet advice, and the latest research updates.

3️⃣ Beyond Celiac – Focuses on accelerating research for a cure and provides practical gluten-free living tips.

4️⃣ The Mayo Clinic – A trusted medical source with a clear explanation of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

5️⃣ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – A branch of the U.S. government offering research-based information.

6️⃣ The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University – Provides research findings and medical guidance from experts in the field.

7️⃣ World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) – Offers global guidelines on coeliac disease diagnosis and management.

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📚 Scientific Research & Journals

If you're interested in scientific studies, you can find peer-reviewed articles here:
🔹 PubMed – Database of medical research studies
🔹 Google Scholar – Search for academic papers on coeliac disease
🔹 The American Journal of Gastroenterology – Publishes research on digestive diseases, including coeliac disease

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🏥 Patient Support & Online Communities

If you're looking for practical tips, recipes, and community support, check out:
✔ r/Celiac – A Reddit community for coeliac discussions
✔ Facebook Groups – Search for "Coeliac Disease Support" groups
✔ Gluten-Free Watchdog – Monitors gluten levels in products

Support groups for children with Lupus and their families

Support groups can be really helpful for children with lupus and their families. These groups provide a space to share experiences, learn from others, and feel less alone. For children with lupus, support groups can also help them connect with others who understand what they're going through, while also providing emotional support and coping strategies. Here are some options for support groups and resources:

1. Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)

• The Lupus Foundation of America offers a variety of resources for both adults and children with lupus, including support groups and online communities. They often have local chapters where families can connect with others.

• Website: www.lupus.org

• LFA has Children and Teens info here.

• LFA also offers LupusConnect, an online community where patients and caregivers can connect.

2. Lupus Support Groups on Facebook

• Facebook has many private support groups for people with lupus, including those specifically for children or families of children with lupus. These groups allow parents and children to share experiences, ask questions, and offer support to each other.

• You can search for groups like "Lupus in Children" or "Pediatric Lupus Support" on Facebook to find active communities.

3. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

• ACR offers information about pediatric lupus and can direct families to support resources and specialists.

• Website: www.rheumatology.org

4. Children’s Hospitals and Pediatric Rheumatology Centers

• Many children's hospitals or clinics that specialize in rheumatology will offer support groups or can direct families to local support options. For example, hospitals like Boston Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia often have lupus-specific programs or support groups for young patients and their families.

5. Lupus UK

• Although based in the UK, Lupus UK provides online support and resources for people with lupus worldwide, including for children and their families. They often have online forums and other virtual support options.

• Website: www.lupusuk.org.uk

6. Online Forums and Communities

• Websites like PatientsLikeMe and HealthUnlocked have communities where people living with lupus can connect, share experiences, and offer advice. Some forums are specifically for younger people or parents of kids with lupus.

7. Support from Rheumatologists and Social Workers

• Many pediatric rheumatologists and social workers can help connect families with local support groups or peer mentors who have experience with pediatric lupus. It's always a good idea to ask your child's doctor about available local or virtual support options.

Benefits of Support Groups:

• Emotional support: Connecting with others who truly understand the challenges of living with lupus can provide comfort.

• Practical advice: Parents and children can share tips on managing symptoms, navigating school, or handling treatment.

• Peer connections: Children can build friendships with others who are going through similar experiences.

• Awareness and advocacy: Support groups can help families stay informed about new treatments, research, and advocacy opportunities for lupus.

Finding the right support group can make a big difference in coping with the emotional and practical challenges of lupus. If you're unsure where to start, talk to your child's doctor—they may have additional recommendations or connections to local groups.