Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Dermatology
Managing scleroderma: challenges in primary care
Recent articles on:
Connective tissue disorders
Connective tissue disorders
Abstract
Scleroderma is a complex and challenging connective tissue disease that may affect multiple organ systems. Most patients have a slowly progressive course and can be managed with vigilant screening, monitoring and timely intervention.
Key Points
- Scleroderma is a multisystem disease affecting the skin and a number of internal organs.
- Close surveillance and timely intervention for end-organ involvement is vital.
- Lung complications are the leading cause of mortality in patients with scleroderma, and annual screening with doppler echocardiography and pulmonary function tests are recommended.
- Early referral of patients with the triad of puffy fingers, Raynaud’s phenomenon and positive antinuclear antibodies should be considered.
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