Worsening skin disease could be used as a marker of internal organ damage in people with diffuse cutaneous subtype of systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Introduction Systemic sclerosis is a rare but serious disease of the connective tissues, characterised by thickening of skin and by triggering the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening […]
Category: Systemic sclerosis
Immunosuppressant drugs may help in systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), but new treatments are needed
Immunosuppressants show some benefit in early dcSSc, but better treatments are still needed. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a rare but serious disease of the connective tissues, where the tissue grows abnormally and triggers the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening (fibrosis) and swelling of the skin, as well as joint pain, […]
Regression of skin fibrosis can be predicted using mRSS scores
People with advanced skin fibrosis are more likely to regress in the next year than those with milder skin fibrosis. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a rare but serious disease of the connective tissue. An initial potential damage to the tissue due to yet unknown triggers causes the activation of the immune system (autoimmunity) and affects […]
Skin sclerosis and digital ulcers develop quickly in people with early systemic sclerosis
People with early systemic sclerosis may quickly develop skin sclerosis and digital ulcers. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a rare but serious disease of the connective tissues, where the tissue grows abnormally and triggers the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening (fibrosis) and swelling of the skin, as well as joint pain, […]
Ulcers on the fingers may predict disease worsening and survival in people with systemic sclerosis
People with digital ulcers early in the course of their systemic sclerosis may be more likely to suffer complications of the disease. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a serious disease of the connective tissues, where the tissue grows abnormally and triggers the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening (fibrosis) and swelling of […]
Patients with systemic sclerosis have a high risk of bone fractures
Patients with systemic sclerosis may be more likely to develop osteoporosis and experience bone fractures. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a serious disease of the connective tissues, where the tissue grows abnormally and triggers the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening (fibrosis) and swelling of the skin, as well as joint pain, […]
Rituximab may reverse fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis
Rituximab may offer a new treatment option in patients with systemic sclerosis. INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis is a serious disease of the connective tissues, where the tissue grows abnormally and triggers the immune system to attack itself (autoimmunity). This can cause hardening (fibrosis) and swelling of the skin, as well as joint pain, digestive problems and […]
Lower-dose radiation scan for lung disease
People with systemic sclerosis may be able to have their lungs monitored for a complication of the condition using a scan that cuts their exposure to radiation. INTRODUCTION People with systemic sclerosis have an abnormal growth of connective tissue. This affects their skin, digestive tract, and other internal organs. It causes thickening of the skin and damage […]
