How do you assess scleroderma?

How do you assess scleroderma?

Specific Tests for Scleroderma

1. Pulmonary function tests or breathing tests to measure how well the lungs are working.
2. CT chest scan may also be ordered to evaluate the extent of lung involvement.
3. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to see if there are changes in the heart muscle tissue due to scleroderma.

What is the scleroderma skin pinch test?

“In using a skin scoring system, the physician pinches various parts of the patient’s body to test for thickness. The less skin that can be pinched equals a higher score in diagnosing scleroderma,” says Feghali-Bostwick.

What is clinical manifestation of scleroderma?

Diffuse scleroderma patients have a much more acute onset, with many constitutional symptoms, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and marked swelling of hands and legs. They get widespread skin thickening, progressing from their fingers to their trunk.

What labs are abnormal with scleroderma?

Blood tests: Elevated levels of immune factors, known as antinuclear antibodies, are found in 95% of patients with scleroderma. Although these antibodies are also present in other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, testing for them in potential scleroderma patients is helpful in assisting with an accurate diagnosis.

What does SCL 70 indicate?

Clinical Information Scl 70 (topoisomerase 1) is a 100-kD nuclear and nucleolar enzyme. Scl 70 antibodies are considered to be specific for scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) and are found in up to 60% of patients with this connective tissue disease.

What are the two types of scleroderma?

There are two main categories of scleroderma: localized and systemic. Each category is made up of several conditions. Localized scleroderma: often affects only the skin and not major organs.

What ANA pattern is scleroderma?

Approximately 95% of people with systemic scleroderma have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, but so do people with other autoimmune diseases (97% of people with lupus, as an example). People with localized scleroderma usually have negative ANA.

What is the epidemiology and classification of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma?

Epidemiology and Classification. Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma is a less common subset (approximately 5 percent of patients with systemic sclerosis) that is associated with the characteristic internal organ manifestations of the disease without skin thickening.

What are the signs and symptoms of scleroderma sclerosum?

Sclerodactyly with digital ulceration, loss of skin creases, joint contractures, and sparse hair. Prominent skin pigmentary changes both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation (see image below) Anterior chest demonstrating salt-and-pepper hypopigmentation and diffuse hyperpigmentation in a white woman.

What are the treatment options for systemic sclerosis/scleroderma?

Systemic Sclerosis/Scleroderma: A Treatable Multisystem Disease. The risk of renal damage from scleroderma renal crisis can be lessened by early detection, prompt initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy, and avoidance of high-dose corticosteroids. Optimal patient care includes an integrated,…

Can a blood test alone diagnose scleroderma?

A blood test alone cannot diagnose scleroderma. Depending on the clinical situation, additional tests may be done, such as: Pulmonary function tests or breathing tests to measure how well the lungs are working. CT chest scan may also be ordered to evaluate the extent of lung involvement.