systemic sclerosis/scleroderma

Question 1

what is systemic sclerosis?

Answer 1

-a multisystem autoimmune disease characterised by vasculopathy, autoimmunity and fibrosis

Question 2

what are the different types of systemic sclerosis?

Answer 2

• Diffuse
• Limited
• Scleroderma

Question 3

what is affected in diffuse systemic sclerosis?

Answer 3

-skin involvement on extremities above and below elbows (plus face and trunk)

Question 4

what is affected in limited systemic sclerosis?

Answer 4

-skin involvement on extremities only below elbows and knees (plus face)

Question 5

what is scleroderma?

Answer 5

-the tightening and fibrosis of the skin

Question 6

what causes the fibrosis in systemic sclerosis?

Answer 6

-excess collagen deposition

Question 7

what medication should patients be put on if they’re having renal complications due to systemic sclerosis?

Answer 7

ACEI