Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

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…

In a study entitled “Systemic Sclerosis and Silicone Breast Implant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature” the authors report a case of development of systemic sclerosis shortly after silicone breast implantation surgery. The study was published in the Case Reports in Rheumatology journal. Systemic…

Scleroderma patients from Canada are seeking access to an experimental U.S. stem cell therapy to help fight the disease. A study pioneered by Dr. Richard Burt at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago features injecting stem cells intravenously, in an approach called Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). HSCT therapy begins…

A study entitled “FibronectinEDA Promotes Chronic Cutaneous Fibrosis Through Toll-Like Receptor Signaling” recently published in Science Translational Medicine reports the discovery of the role of a new protein, fibronectin extra domain A, in scleroderma. The discovery may explain what causes the onset of the disease…

A new study entitled “Increased frequency of class I and II anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma and associated factors: a comparative study” published in October issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases reports increased levels of anti-HLA antibodies in the…

A new study entitled “Joint and tendon involvement predict disease progression in systemic sclerosis: a EUSTAR prospective study,” published in August issue of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, reports joint synovitis and tendon friction rubs can predict for early Systemic sclerosis progression. In this study,…

A new study entitled “Collagenous Colitis in Systemic Sclerosis: An Overlooked and Treatable Complication” published in Journal of Clinical Rheumatology highlights the possible occurrence of Collagenous Colitis with Systemic Sclerosis, and thus should be considered for therapeutic intervention by clinicians. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease…

A new study entitled “Vascular Receptor Autoantibodies in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Systemic Sclerosis” published in the October issue of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reports that vascular antibodies can be prognostic biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) associated with pulmonary arterial…

Having previously experimented with the use of Viagra (Sildenafil) as a possible therapy for Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), researchers have now evaluated the use of the drug in treating Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) in patients. SSc or scleroderma, is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by hardening of the skin. The…