Nearly two-thirds of people with scleroderma undergo physical therapy — often called PT — and are generally satisfied with their care. But nearly half of all patients need more information on such treatment, according to the results of a questionnaire conducted in the Netherlands. Individual therapy, provided by…
Under-the-skin treatment with tiny vesicles produced by mesenchymal stem cells significantly lessened skin abnormalities and scarring, while reducing markers of disease and inflammation, in a mouse model of scleroderma, a study showed. Notably, these beneficial effects — similar to those of treatment with the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells…
Despite immunosuppressive therapy, skin and lung involvement still progresses in about 20% of people with early or at-risk diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) within the first three years, according to a study in the U.S. In addition, most people in the at-risk group went on to develop dcSSc during…
A remote, peer-facilitated group intervention created to provide mental health and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly eased anxiety and depression in adults with systemic scleroderma and mild anxiety, according to data from the SPIN-CHAT trial. Differences between the group of patients who underwent the one-month intervention…
Distinct profiles of gene activity in skin samples distinguish different disease stages in juvenile localized scleroderma, a study suggests. These profiles did not necessarily match the patients’ clinical subtype or the disease’s location on the body, suggesting that they may better represent distinct and clinically relevant subgroups of patients,…
CAN10, — Cantargia’s experimental therapy for scleroderma and myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle — appears safe and effective at reducing inflammation and myocarditis in preclinical studies. The findings support plans to develop CAN10 for the treatment of these two conditions. “With preclinical proof of concept in…
People with scleroderma have abnormal levels of several fatty molecules and their body’s ability to remove excess cholesterol is lower when compared with healthy peers, according to a recent study. This impaired ability to remove excess cholesterol may contribute to an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and…
People with rare disorders have a worse healthcare experience than those affected by chronic diseases, according to the results of an international survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. Indeed, rare disease patients overall give their healthcare experience a medium-low rating, of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5,…
Three factors —  the presence of digital ulcers, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms — appear to predict a worsening over time in life quality for people with systemic scleroderma (SSc), a study in nearly 500 patients shows. In addition, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was found to significantly contribute…
The first wave of COVID-19 in Europe severely disrupted access to care and raised stress and anxiety in people with rare diseases, negatively affecting their health and well-being, according to a survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. “People living with rare diseases in Europe have found themselves caught as collateral…
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