Steve Bryson, PhD, science writer —

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…

The delayed passage of food waste through the colon — or slow colonic transit — is common and often severe in people with scleroderma, a study has revealed. This condition was more likely in patients with widened blood vessels seen on the skin and less likely in those with…

Altered levels of immune signaling proteins (cytokines) and fat-based hormones in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with changes in body mass, a blood analysis determined. Researchers say their findings suggest that “an abnormal twist … takes place in SSc” between the immune signaling proteins, these hormones, and body mass index or BMI,…

Sanofi has entered into a merger agreement with Kadmon, which is developing belumosudil (KD025), an oral investigational treatment for people with the diffuse cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Belumosudil, sold under the brand name Rezurock, was recently approved for patients, 12 years and older, with chronic…