Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

In a new study entitled “Systemic Sclerosis Patients Present Alterations in the Expression of Molecules Involved in B-Cell Regulation,” a team of researchers investigated whether patients with systemic sclerosis present changes in their immune B cells profile (including frequency and activation phenotypes), focusing particularly on the B…

In a recent study entitled “B regulatory cells are decreased and functionally impaired in patients with systemic sclerosis”, researchers report that a specific population of B cells – regulatory B cells – with established functions in immune suppression, have their numbers markedly reduced and functions impaired in systemic…

In a recent study entitled “Difficulties in diagnosis of systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease”, researchers present a case-report of a Caucasian woman and highlight the difficulties in identifying and diagnosing systemic sclerosis-associated with interstitial lung disease. The study was published in the Respirology Case Reports…

According to a study recently presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR), Rome, patients with systemic sclerosis harbor a unique microbiome in their gut when compared to healthy individuals, which may contribute to patients’ immune dysfunction. Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease (autoimmune diseases…

Patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SS), also known as scleroderma, have the highest risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), according to PH expert Harrison Farber, MD who recently presented his findings at the American College of Rheumatology State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium. Farber presented data showing that 60% of patients with PAH are…

In a new study entitled “Subclinical atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease in systemic sclerosis patients: Relation to potential risk factors,” authors suggest that patients with Systemic sclerosis may have increased risk of developing subclinical atherosclerotic macro vascular disease. The team highlights that further research is necessary to tackle both…

A new clinical trial on Systemic Sclerosis (also known as Scleroderma) is now recruiting participants – adult patients (at least 18 years old) with a confirmed diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), as defined by the American College of Rheumatology criteria — who are willing to participate (the study…

In a recent study entitled “Scleroderma renal crisis,” the authors summarize the most recent findings related to scleroderma renal crisis, a serious but treatable complication of systemic sclerosis. The study was published in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Scleroderma (or systemic…

In a study entitled “A Case Report of Living-donor Lobar Lung Transplantation for Scleroderma-associated Usual Interstitial Pneumonia: Eight Years and Counting” researchers suggest living-donor lobar lung transplantation as a viable alternative for critically ill patients with scleroderma-associated usual interstitial pneumonia. The study was…

In a recent study entitled “Decreased numbers of endothelial progenitor cells in patients in the early stages of systemic sclerosis,” the authors report that systemic sclerosis patients at early disease stages carry fewer endothelial progenitor cells, thus, being more prone to vascular complications. The study was published…