Analyzing the color of red blood cells could help predict survival outcomes among people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a study shows. The study, “Hypochromic red cells as a prognostic indicator of survival among patients with systemic sclerosis screened for pulmonary hypertension,” was published in Arthritis…
People with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who have more severe digestive problems tend to have less diversity in the makeup of bacteria living in their gut, a new study reports. Certain bacterial species, including Lactobacillus — present in commercially available probiotics — are more abundant in SSc patients with more…
Epigenetic changes in immune cells from African American women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) may differ from those in patients in of European ancestry, a study reported. The finding “underscores the importance of research in patients with diverse clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and of integrating genetic and social factors, to…
A new study shows that UVA1 phototherapy — a treatment strategy that uses specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light — may work to reduce scarring in scleroderma by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This finding implies that activating the AhR protein may offer therapeutic benefits in the chronic autoimmune…
The case of a person with scleroderma who successfully received a lung transplant from a donor who had tested positive for COVID-19 may predict positive outcomes for other patients, according to a recent report. “To our knowledge this represents the first successful case of lung transplantation of donor lungs…
Analyzing the global genetic activity of immune cells called monocytes can identify distinct groups among people with systemic scleroderma, a new study indicates. This type of analysis “may represent a viable mechanism for identifying patients and potentially their response to therapeutics,” its researchers wrote. The study, “…
People with systemic sclerosis (SSc) show higher levels of certain antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus, which is suggestive of dormant viral infections becoming reactivated in these patients, a new study shows. The study, “Detection of Epstein–Barr virus in systemic sclerosis patients: A molecular and serological based…
The first two groups of patients have been enrolled in a Phase 2a clinical trial that’s testing the cannabidiol-derived medication EHP-101 in people with systemic scleroderma (SSc), the therapy’s developer Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals (EHP) announced. Interim results are expected next year, according to EHP. Participants are currently…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the experimental therapy efzofitimod fast track status as a potential treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The designation is given to speed up the development and review of therapies designed to treat serious health conditions.
Levels of a type of immune cell called T-cells are elevated in skin biopsies from children with localized scleroderma, a new study shows. The study showed that T-cells from pediatric localized scleroderma patients can promote scar-forming activity in skin cells when grown together in a laboratory culture. Researchers also…
Get regular updates to your inbox.