Scleroderma

Question 1

Scleroderma

Answer 1

Excessive amounts of collagen are placed in the tissue. Generalized connective tissue disorder, characterized by immune dysregulation microangiopathy, fibrosis of skin, synovium, & vital organs

Question 2

Scleroderma etiology

Answer 2

Women 2 to 3x more likely, rate of mortality is greater in men, 400,000 Americans.

Question 3

Scleroderma pathogenesis

Answer 3

cause is unknown, triggered by bacteria, autoimmune, chemicals from occupational exposure, widespread small-vessel vasculopathy & fibrosis

Question 4

Scleroderma clinical manifestations

Answer 4

pitting edema, bilateral & symmetrical involvement, raynauds phenomenon, decreased joint ROM, CNS disorders, GI dysfunction

Question 5

Scleroderma treatment

Answer 5

no cure, individualized based on presentation, manage symptoms (pharmacology)

Question 6

Scleroderma prognosis

Answer 6

Short-term (improved with pharmacology)

Long-Term (poor with significant morbidity & mortality if pulmonary or renal involvement

Spontaneous recovery can occur

Question 7

Rehab management of Scleroderma

Answer 7

Joint protection, ROM, Education, Skin & Wound care