Bridging the Gap
Across Medical
Specialties
Allegheny Health Network’s Autoimmunity Institute brings together a team of specialists in one location at
West Penn Hospital to provide integrated and comprehensive care for people with autoimmune diseases.
WHEN THE BODY ATTACKS ITSELF FOUR CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
Normally, the body’s immune system fights infection and
disease. But for individuals with an autoimmune disease,
the immune system attacks body tissue, causing illness
and inflammation. As the nation’s first center for autoimmune disease, AHN’s
Autoimmunity Institute is based in an 11,000-square-foot
space with 16 exam rooms, a dedicated infusion suite, an
injection room, and a research laboratory.
“Autoimmune diseases are challenging. Symptoms can
change over time,” said Susan Manzi, MD, MPH, chair,
AHN Medicine Institute, and director, Lupus Center of
Excellence. Four separate Centers of Excellence focus on lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and
celiac disease.
More than 100 autoimmune diseases affect more than
50 million people. Women make up 75 percent of these
patients and 90 percent of lupus patients.
And because the majority of autoimmune disease patients
are women, our multispecialty teams are especially tuned to
the unique health needs of women.
The Institute has a broad, yet focused approach because:
• There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases.
• They affect more than 50 million people.
• Women make up 75 percent of these patients and 90
percent of lupus patients.
With this in mind, our multispecialty teams are especially
tuned to the unique health needs of women.
Each center provides a multidisciplinary approach to provide
complete care, easing symptoms and working to slow the
progress of the disease and help to avoid other conditions or
complications that may develop.
RESEARCH FOR A CURE
To advance diagnosis and treatment, a full-time research
team focuses on clinical trials, develops new diagnostic tests,
and uses what they discover to improve treatment.
The Autoimmunity Institute bridges the gap across medical
specialties. By sharing space, resources, and staff, we deliver
a coordinated and integrated plan of care with less travel and
greater convenience for our patients.