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A methotrexate (MTX) treatment protocol that includes the administration of glucocorticoids is superior to phototherapy in treating childhood localized scleroderma, a study found. Nonetheless, researchers suggest MTX should be used preferentially in more severe cases of the disease. The study, “Comparing ultraviolet light A photo(chemo)therapy with…

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment was found to be critical in achieving better long-term outcomes for children with juvenile localized scleroderma, a study reports. The retrospective study, titled “Disease course and long-term outcome of juvenile localized scleroderma: Experience from a single pediatric rheumatology Centre and literature…

Levels of certain important signaling molecules called cytokines are associated with different clinical manifestations in patients with scleroderma, a study suggests. The study, “Different profile of cytokine production in patients with systemic sclerosis and association with clinical manifestations,” was published in the journal Immunology Letters. Cytokines are…

Patients with scleroderma who undergo lung transplants have similar survival rates to patients who get lung transplants due to other diseases, according to a new study. Freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction — a set of pathological conditions that cause a transplanted lung to stop breathing — is also similar…

At least 800 people representing some 45 countries are soon expected to gather in Austria’s capital city, Vienna, for ECRD 2018, the 9th European Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Products. The May 10-12 meeting is sponsored by Eurordis, the Paris-based group that defines itself as a “patient-driven alliance”…

Rituximab (brand name Rituxan, among others) may be effective in treating patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis, according to a French retrospective study and literature review. Although there are several small-scale reports supporting rituximab as a treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, no large-scale studies have been conducted. Researchers found it…

The presence of a specific scleroderma subtype and autoantibodies may be reliable factors to identify a distinct cancer risk in patients with scleroderma, according to a large prospective study. The study, “Autoantibodies and scleroderma phenotype define subgroups at high-risk and low-risk for cancer,” was published in…

Treatment with iloprost using a portable pump is efficient, safe, and more convenient for the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers in patients with scleroderma, a case report from Portugal shows. The pump helps patients…

The occurrence of blood clots in the veins of scleroderma patients is rare and does not change patients’ survival rates, a new Canadian study shows. Still, researchers see a need for improved understanding of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these patients. The study, “Venous Thromboembolism in Systemic Sclerosis: Prevalence,…

Having interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with a greater risk of lung cancer in scleroderma patients, according to Canadian researchers. Their findings also demonstrate that male sex and smoking are predictors for increased risk. Their study, “Interstitial lung disease is associated with an increased risk of lung…