The Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center is one of the largest and most active in the world, seeing over 200 new patients each year.
What causes scleroderma?
Scleroderma results from an overproduction and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. Collagen is a fibrous type of protein that makes up your body’s connective tissues, including your skin. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes this process to begin, but the body’s immune system appears to play a role.
What is the newest treatment for scleroderma?
Table 1
| Drug Name | Target | Study Completion Date |
|---|
| Rituximab | CD20 | November, 2019 |
| Rituximab/Belimumab | CD20/BAFF | February, 2022 |
| Brentuximab Vedotin | CD30 | January, 2023 |
| Brentuximab Vedotin | CD30 | July, 2021 |
What environmental triggers can cause scleroderma?
Environmental exposure: Some environmental influences can put people at greater risk for developing scleroderma. Men exposed to silica appear to have a higher risk for developing scleroderma. Being around certain solvents and taking certain drugs can also increase your potential for developing the disease.
What is best hospital to treat scleroderma? – Related Questions
How do you catch scleroderma?
The cause of scleroderma is unknown. A buildup of a substance called collagen in the skin and other organs leads to the symptoms of the disease. The disease most often affects people ages 30 to 50 years. Women get scleroderma more often than men.
What viruses trigger scleroderma?
Activation of certain immune cells in scleroderma (SSc) may be linked to infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), researchers showed.
What is the life expectancy of scleroderma?
In general, patients with limited scleroderma have a normal life expectancy. Some have problems with their GI tract, especially heartburn; severe Raynaud’s and musculoskeletal pain; and a small subset can develop pulmonary hypertension that can be life-threatening.
What viruses cause scleroderma?
One theory suggests that scleroderma is caused by a virus or other infection. For example, a common virus called CMV (cytomegalovirus) is known to infect cells (endothelial cells) that line our blood vessels, which we know are diseased in scleroderma (3).
What is the most serious complication of scleroderma?
Lung problems are usually the most serious complications of systemic scleroderma. They are now the leading cause of death in people with scleroderma. Two major lung conditions associated with scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension, can occur either together or independently.
Which organ is more involved in scleroderma?
In localized scleroderma, the skin is the main organ system involved and muscles and bones may or may not be. In systemic scleroderma, internal organs such as the digestive tract, heart, lungs, and kidneys may be affected.
What medications trigger scleroderma?
Scleroderma can manifest as an adverse reaction to several drugs, including docetaxel, bisoprolol, bleomycin, pepleomycin, D-penicillamine, bromocriptine, pentazocine, and balicatib. In addition to withdrawal of the culprit drug, corticosteroids and ultraviolet phototherapies can be effective, if instituted early.
What vitamins help scleroderma?
Consider taking an over the counter multivitamin/mineral supplement containing 15 mg zinc, 10-18 mg iron, vitamins A, D, E, and K, folate, and B-12. If specific nutrient deficiencies have been identified, extra supplementation may be required.
Can you stop scleroderma from progressing?
There is no treatment that can cure or stop the overproduction of collagen that is characteristic of scleroderma. But a variety of treatments can help control symptoms and prevent complications.
What should I avoid with scleroderma?
Avoid foods that may aggra- vate symptoms such as citrus fruits, tomato products, greasy fried foods, coffee, garlic, onions, peppermint, gas-producing foods (such as raw peppers, beans, broccoli or raw onions), spicy foods, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
Does walking help scleroderma?
A gentle aerobic exercise program, such as walking, pilates, yoga, tai chi or water-based exercise, can help to manage symptoms such as stiffness, pain and sleep disturbance.
What juice is good for scleroderma?
I juice: 1 peeled orange, strawberries, blueberries, ½ pineapple, and then blend this juice with ½ banana and the same amount of natural yogurt. I add the yogurt as it neutralizes the acidity of the fruits, minimizing acid reflux potential.
Does scleroderma qualify for disability?
If you are suffering from the effects of Scleroderma you may qualify for disability benefits. The SSA recognizes systemic sclerosis as an impairment under Section 14.00 Immune System Disorders.
Can you get Social Security for scleroderma?
If you can prove that you have a confirmed diagnosis of scleroderma as outlined in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) medical guide, which is the Blue Book, and have evidence that your condition is disabling you may be approved for monthly disability benefits.
