In the past few years, scientists have made some important breakthroughs in understanding the many types of autoimmune disease. These findings are now opening the way to new horizons for diagnosing and monitoring of these disorders. Renowned experts from European countries have participated in this specialized FESCC Course covering the clinical and laboratory aspects of autoimmune diseases. This issue contains the material prepared by these experts especially for the 5th FESCC Course, integrating the knowledge of the authors, experts in different fields, and intending to provide the reader with optimal information.

The contents is divided into three chapters: chapter Basic Concepts covers topics such as New aspects on the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune disease; Genetics of autoimmune disease; Autoimmune aspects of pregnancy and infertility; Apoptosis and autoimmunity; chapter New Approach to Diagnosis covers laboratory standards in the diagnosis and therapy monitoring of autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, multiple sclerosis and SLE; and chapter dedicated to Evidence Based Diagnosis and Quality Assurance deals with Quality assurance and organization of autoantibody laboratory; Statistical management of autoimmune disease data; Guidelines for ANA testing; and Therapeutic potential in autoimmune disease.

We do hope that the contents of this issue will meet the intended goals by presenting the state-of-the-art and contributing to harmonization of the classification, monitoring and management of autoimmune disease.

Elizabeta Topić