News

Many Scleroderma Patients Were Exposed to Heavy Metals, Study Finds

Researchers have found links between several heavy metals and scleroderma, a discovery that prompted them to encourage doctors to check whether their patients had occupational exposure to heavy metals. Interestingly, some metals were associated more with male scleroderma patients and some with females. The study, “Systemic sclerosis and…

Insecurity About Care, Isolation and Identity Loss Among SSc Patients’ Concerns, Study Finds

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients face significant bodily and social restrictions that undermine their self-image and confidence, and uncertainties about the disease’s cause and prognosis undercut their confidence in their care, according to the a study of patient perceptions. Researchers hope that the data collected for their study — “It’s Not…

Many Scleroderma Patients Needing Kidney Transplants Do Well, Study Finds

Many scleroderma patients show an “excellent” response to a kidney transplant and such surgery should be considered for those with end-stage kidney disease, a study exploring the procedure found. But its researchers also noted that scleroderma patients with lung involvement were the most likely to die after a kidney transplant, indicating that lung health need be included…

Scleroderma: Pondering Self-esteem and Gratitude

If my body were featured in a circus sideshow attraction (that’s every woman’s fantasy, right?), the announcer might exclaim, “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, come see the spotted lady with the world’s skinniest limbs and largest belly!” I am covered with red and purple splotches…

Resunab Granted Orphan Drug Status in EU as Potential Therapy for Systemic Sclerosis

The European Commission (EC) has designated Corbus Pharmaceuticals’ product Resunab (JBT-101) an Orphan Drug for the potential treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Orphan Drug status is attributed to therapeutic drugs intended to prevent and treat rare life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions that affect no more than five in 10,000 people, and…