In a recent application of the "Delphi technique" have been identified as necessary for a
VERY EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS 4 signs / symptoms:

1. Raynaud's phenomenon
2. swollen fingers
3. ANA, antibodies specific
4. alterations in capillaroscopy

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Both cutaneous fibrosis is mainly vascular changes, are the main causes of the genesis of skin lesions, more or less extensive, often in multiple peripheral location. Continue reading ...

In the course of autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue may arise, with variable frequency, ectopic calcifications defined calcinosis, and, in particular, in Systemic Sclerosis Limited. Continue reading ...

Systemic sclerosis in the blood vessels are involved in a constant and complex: it speaks of "scleroderma vascular disease." Continue reading ...

The involvement of the gastrointestinal system in systemic sclerosis is manifested in almost all cases, with a movement disorder, caused by fibrosis at the level of such an apparatus. Continue reading ...

In a high percentage of patients (70% approximately) realized an interstitial inflammatory, on a clinical level, is expressed in 60% of cases with the onset of dyspnea on exertion, less frequently of dyspnea at rest and in 40% of cases in finding, on examination, the bilateral basal crackles. Continue reading ...

Epidemiological data derived from national registries indicate that pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease is the most common form of pulmonary hypertension after the idiopathic form. Continue reading ...

Cardiac manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis are fairly common, it is estimated a prevalence of 15-35% clinical, although in most patients, these manifestations may remain subclinical. Continue reading ...

Among the clinical manifestations of renal vascular disease should be remembered for the fact the "renal crisis
scleroderma ", which until two decades ago was the leading cause of kidney failure and death in SSc patients. Continue reading ...

Joint involvement in the process of systemic sclerosis appears to be common during the clinical course of the disease, while less frequently may be the manifestation of onset. Continue reading ...

In some studies it was shown that about one third of patients with systemic sclerosis have a concurrent autoimmune disease, or illness that may occur before the onset of systemic sclerosis or the same after that. Continue reading ...

It is estimated that approximately 40-60% of patients may complain of the sensation of dry mouth or dry eye. These symptoms may be related to fibrosis of the salivary and lacrimal glands, but also to a chronic inflammation of these glands, quite similar to that which occurs in the course of another connective tissue disease, Sjögren's syndrome. Continue reading ...

The sidebars are drawn from articles published in the book "SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: notes and comments" made ​​by the Italian league Systemic sclerosis non-profit organization, distributed free in many treatment centers Italians.

To request a hard copy at home you must fill out the form

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Milan, November 29, 2011 - SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS NPO ITALIAN LEAGUE