Variants of immune-regulating human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes were associated with the risk of systemic scleroderma, subtypes of the condition, and the presence of self-reactive antibodies, a large-scale genetic analysis showed. These findings underscored the genetic contribution to the disease and support future investigations into immunological susceptibility and external…
To kick off Scleroderma Awareness Month, the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) will host a free online patient forum, Collaborating for a Cure, on June 1. The half-day forum will gather leaders from the medical and scientific community so that those who live with scleroderma, and their families and…
Fat-derived cells from adults with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma that are then injected under the skin of the hands led to clinically meaningful improvements in hand function, according to published data from the Phase 3 STAR I clinical trial. The safety and efficacy of using these cells, called adipose-derived regenerative…
A combination of ultrasound and therapy that includes joint manipulation and massage improved hand function and ulcer wound healing in a small group of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with skin involvement, a study reported. “Therapeutic [ultrasound ] combined with manual therapy should be used as additional intervention to manage…
Gene activity profiles in blood cells isolated from systemic sclerosis patients with interstitial lung disease predicted lung function responses to the immunosuppressant therapy CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), a study has shown. These findings support the use of non-invasive gene profiling to identify patients who will best respond to CellCept…
The Fatigue and Activity Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis program — known as FAME-iSS — lessened fatigue and increased the use of strategies for managing what researchers called “one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms of systemic sclerosis,” a small study reported. FAME-iSS involves group sessions led by…
The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) will match every dollar donated in honor of the late comedian Bob Saget — a 30-year board member — up to $1.5 million. The matching gift was donated by fellow board members Luke Evnin, PhD, and Deann Wright after family, friends, and fans sought…
People with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in Brazil had a weaker immune response to the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine than did healthy individuals, a study discovered. The findings also showed that treatment with the immunosuppressant therapy CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) — an oral medication that improves lung function in SSc patients…
Distinct levels of proteins in the bloodstream of scleroderma patients matched altered gene activity in their skin, a large-scale molecular analysis showed. Researchers said these blood proteins could prove to be much-needed biomarkers for this chronic disease. “These results indicate that [blood] proteins are attractive surrogate markers for tracking…
Infection was the leading cause of acute hospitalization and mortality in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a 10-year hospital study in Portugal found. Although most infection-related hospital admissions occurred in those with underlying lung disease, the scientists noted that a decrease in the total number of hospitalizations during the…
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