Of all the speculation surrounding the cause of Dupuytren's, and I suffer from this disease myself, I have heard of no discussion or investigation into the possibility of this being an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders include joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and carpal tunnel syndrome, among others. Too many people from many different ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles share this disease for it to be unique to those of Northern European descent or heavy drinkers. Any thoughts on this?