How likely are you to have more than 1 autoimmune disease?

Many of those with autoimmune diseases tend to have more than 1. Why is it so common to have multiple autoimmune diseases? Scientists believe that there are likely shared genes and similar molecular mechanisms at play.

One study showed that 34.4% of autoimmune disease patients had more than 1 autoimmune disease. That risk was greater for women and those who have family members with autoimmune diseases. The study also found that patients with Sjogren’s and autoimmune thyroid disease were most likely to have multiple autoimmune diseases.

Looking at our own data at the Autoimmune Registry (ARI), 54% of our registrants have more than 1 autoimmune disease, with 21% reporting 2, 12% reporting 3, 8% reporting 4, and 14% reporting 5 or more autoimmune diseases. 

This is another reason that ARI is creating a registry for all autoimmune diseases. With this data, scientists can do more to find clusters of autoimmune diseases that are more likely to occur together in the same patient.

If you would like to join our efforts and provide information on your autoimmune condition, please join our registry or share it with a friend who has an autoimmune condition.  Donations are also greatly appreciated!