Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

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…

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR), together with the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published new criteria for classification of systemic sclerosis. The new guidelines were introduced to allow earlier diagnosis and facilitate more targeted therapeutic treatments. The criteria were published in the journal of Arthritis & Rheumatism in…

New research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Boston highlights that patients with systemic sclerosis with end-stage lung disease cannot be denied lung transplantation on the premises that other extra-pulmonary factors will determine their long-term survival. Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis (SSc), is an autoimmune disease…

Those in the Scleroderma community are taking note of recent news that Bayer HealthCare will be initiating a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II clinical study to investigate efficacy and safety of riociguat in patients suffering from diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), according to an announcement by the company. The study is…

Inventiva Pharma’s lead product, IVA337, recently received a positive review by The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) to treat Systemic Sclerosis. The news is a step in the right direction for patients in Europe suffering from the disease, and is also yet another positive sign of…

In the study entitled “Electrical storm in systemic sclerosis: Inside the electroanatomic substrate” published in World Journal of Cardiology the authors describe a case report of a 63-year-old woman with a severe form of systemic scleroderma with cardiac involvement. In the report, the researchers highlight…

The ASTIS trial (Autologous Stem cell Transplantation International Scleroderma), launched in 2001, evaluated the efficacy of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis. A key point to safe use of HSCT is a correct evaluation of cardiac condition, and a close follow up for cardiac…