Treatment to suppress the condition may be with monoclonal antibodies (e.g. Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), Infliximab (Remicade), Rituximab (Mab Thera) etc), steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, antimetabolites, as well as other therapies such as PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A). These will affect the donor's immune system. This may make the donor more susceptible to certain types of infection and also will make some infections more difficult to diagnose.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine, are treatments which do not affect the donor’s immune system in this way. If Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine are used as maintainance treatment for Arthritis and donor fits the rest of the criteria they may be accepted.
Physical therapies such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are not considered treatments to suppress the condition.
Autoimmune disease can cause problems such as infertility and thrombosis (antiphospholipid or Hughes' syndrome).
Some autoimmune conditions can permanently damage the cardiovascular system. If this is known to have happened, the person should not donate as they are more likely to have a serious adverse event. |