Scleroderma
Alternate Names : Progressive Systemic Sclerosis
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of the scleroderma. Following is a list of some of the medications used to treat this disorder:
ACE inhibitors to relax and dilate blood vessels
antacids and other medications to reduce heartburn
antibiotics to fight infection
antirheumatic medications such as hydroxychloroquine or d-penicillamine. These reduce skin thickening and lung problems.
calcium channel blockers to treat Raynaud's phenomenon
corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation
immunosuppressive medications, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine. These suppress the immune response to reduce inflammation.
nitroglycerin ointment to treat hardened skin
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, to reduce inflammation
Psychotherapy or counseling may help the person adjust to living with an incurable disease. There are support groups for this disorder. Joining one may help the person to deal with the illness.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medications used to treat scleroderma have many side effects. The side effects include the following:
Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Corticosteroids may cause weight gain, high blood pressure, bone loss or osteoporosis, an increased risk of infection, and muscle weakness.
Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Medications that suppress the immune system may cause an increased risk of infection, stomach upset, and liver or kidney damage.
NSAIDs can cause stomach upset and a decrease in kidney function.
Calcium channel blockers have long been used to treat scleroderma as well as high blood pressure. However, the findings of two recent studies show that people who take a calcium channel blocker have a much higher incidence of complications than people taking other medications for high blood pressure. The findings of one study, for example, showed that the risk of heart attack was 27% greater. The risk of congestive heart failure was 26% higher in people taking calcium channel blockers. The American Heart Association recommends discussing the risks and benefits of the medication with a healthcare provider.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
The course of scleroderma varies unpredictably. A person who only has the local form of scleroderma has a better prognosis. An individual with severe systemic scleroderma may have chronic lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems.
How is the condition monitored?
A person with scleroderma should have frequent physical exams by his or her healthcare provider. This helps the provider monitor the activity of the disorder and determine possible complications. Frequent blood tests may help monitor the disorder as well. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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