A direct comparison of Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) and Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) showed that the drugs are equally effective in stabilizing, and even improving, lung function in scleroderma patients with lung fibrosis. Since Cytoxan might be more toxic when used for extended periods, the study, “Cyclophosphamide versus mycophenolate mofetil…
Systemic sclerosis may lead to the appearance of gastrointestinal (GI) lesions that resemble the stripes of a watermelon, which explains the expression “watermelon stomach.” Although it is often restricted to the stomach, researchers presented, for what is believed to be the first time, a case of watermelon stomach and colon.
A case study, describing the successful treatment of a scleroderma patient with repeated therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for more than 22 years, presents an alternative theory about the beneficial effects of the treatment and the disease itself. The study “Successful long-term (22 Year) treatment of limited scleroderma…
A new clinical trial assessing neuropsychiatric complications in patients with systemic sclerosis — like depression and cognitive problems — is starting in France and currently recruiting patients. Until recently, systemic sclerosis (often also referred to as scleroderma)  — a connective tissue disorder — was thought to spare the central nervous system…
Expert specialist centers are essential requirements in ensuring for the best care and treatment of scleroderma patients, as well as for the rare disease patient in general. The experience, knowledge, and understanding of a medical specialist not only offers increased comfort to the patient, but the greatest likelihood of an early diagnosis, optimal care,…
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is recruiting patients with systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) to assess if Rituxan (rituximab) immunotherapy is effective against disease progression. The randomized Phase 2 study, titled “Rituximab for Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (SSc-PAH),” is enrolling patients…
iBio recently announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to iBio-CFB03 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. iBio is a leading provider of plant-based biotechnology for developing and manufacturing biological products for a range of fibrotic diseases (where is scar tissue has formed), including idiopathic…
People with systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SS-PAH) were seen to have a significantly worse prognosis when treated with an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), compared to those treated with a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor or with a combination of an ERA/PDE-5 inhibitor. The study, “Association Between Initial Oral Therapy and Outcomes…
Well, unless you had a month away from your internet connection, you probably know that June was Scleroderma Awareness Month, with World Scleroderma Day highlighting the end of the month on the 29th. However, as we scleroderma patients know only too well, we live with scleroderma for the remaining 364…
Keeping close watch over systemic sclerosis patients, at high risk for cardiovascular disease, with an implanted heart monitoring device may allow for early detection and treatment of cardiac events. Researchers at the University of Leeds, in the United Kingdom, revealed the potential of an implantable loop recorder for detecting abnormalities that affect the heart’s electrical…
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