Scleroderma

Click to edit Master subtitle style By Vicky Lombardo

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What is Scleroderma
Scleroderma is an
autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting small blood vessels and causing excess collagen accumulation
Sklros (Meaning

Hard) + Derma (Meaning Skin)

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Two Main Types of Scleroderma

Localized
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Systemic

Morphea

condition in which there are patches of thickened skin 5/1/12

Linear

Thickened

skin that occurs along a line on

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the body.

Two Main Types of Scleroderma

Localized
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Systemic

Etiology & Epidemiology

The cause is unknown

80,000 patients in the United States

80% are women

Choctaw Native Americans in Oklahoma

Other risk factors: Chemicals and other Americans African Americans slightly higher than European

materials in the environment

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What could happen!

Many could

organ syste

be involved

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Limited and Diffuse Shared Symptoms

Raynauds 90% Heart burn & Esophagus problems Skin sores (primarily on fingers)

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Limited

Scleroderma

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Diffuse

Scleroderma

15-20% Kidney failure

10% some heart involvement (heart failure)

Musculoskeletal aches and pains

Signs & Symptoms

Declines in hand function
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Decreased ROM

Prognosis

Quite variable

Poor

Death resulting from renal, cardiac, or pulmonary failure

30% die within 5 years of diagnosis

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Diagnostic Procedures

Physical Exam X-rays Blood Urinalysis Biopsy

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Differential Diagnosis

Eosinophilic Fasciitis Scleromyxedema Graft-versus- Host Disease Eosinophillia-Myalgia Syndrome

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No treatment that controls the overproduction of collagen

Current Medical Management

Treatment/Management focus: Relieving symptoms

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Current Medications

Corticosteroids & Colchicine Chemotherapy with Immune Suppressing drugs Vasodilators Antihypertensive drugs NSAIDS Heartburn Medications Light treatment and oil based creams Digital Ulcers Require Immediate and lotions treatment!
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When symptoms of scleroderma become very severe, doctors may recommend the following procedures:

Surgery

to fix damage to the stomach or intestinal walls

Amputation

of severely diseased and Surgicalfingers or toes infected & Other Procedures

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Modalities Massage Exercises Moist Heat ROM Paraffin Strengthening Conditioning Splints Wrist Hand Education Skin care Joint protection HEP Community Resources

Palpate,palpate,palpate!

Wound Care

Physical Therapy Focus

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Summary

Chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases Cause is unknown, but what is known is it involves the overproduction of collagen, blood vessel abnormalities, and immune system dysfunction There is no cure
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BOOM

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