Scleroderma

Introduction

Scleroderma is a disease of the skin, joints and sometimes, internal organs. Its cause is not known. Scleroderma means hardening (fibrosis) of the skin, and due to malfunction of the vascular and immune systems, results in the overproduction of collagen (connective tissue in the body). Scleroderma can be localized to the skin or may become systemic with excess collagen building up in various organs such as the esophagus, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart skin, and peripheral nervous system.

Fortunately, scleroderma is relatively rare affecting approximately 300,000 persons in the United States. The disorder most commonly occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 40, however men and children can be affected as well. The disease is not contagious and is not thought to be inherited.

Currently, there is no know cure for scleroderma. Early diagnosis is important to enable initiation of treatment to prevent long-term complications. The primary goals of treatment are to relieve and control symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent long-term complications.

Treatment options for sclerderma vary depending upon whether the disease is localized or systemic and the extent of the damage to various organ systems. In general, medications that may be used include immunosuppressive agents, antifibrotic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, vasodilators, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In rare cases, when symptoms of systemic sclerosis become severe, surgery may be recommended.

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• What are the risk factors of Scleroderma?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Scleroderma research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

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