Systemic scleroderma is a disease that affects organs and blood vessels, altering the structure of connective tissue and accompanied by the development of fibrosis. The disease is more common in women aged 30 to 50 years.
Causes
The exact cause of systemic scleroderma has not been established, but there are factors that suggest it affects genetically predisposed individuals. There is a correlation between the onset of systemic scleroderma and experienced stress, infectious diseases, tooth extractions, hormonal fluctuations in the body, exposure to toxic substances, hypothermia, and vaccination.
Symptoms of Systemic Scleroderma
Scleroderma extensively affects connective tissues, so the disease has a variety of symptoms. The initial typical sign of scleroderma is a change in the skin of the face and hands – it becomes denser, tighter, and the fingers become deformed. Subsequently, ulcers, nail detachment, and hair loss may occur. Vascular involvement manifests as numbness in the fingertips, leading to tissue death in the first phalanges. Affected joints respond with pain and limited movement. The intestines and esophagus are affected (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, rapid weight loss). Lung involvement (shortness of breath, painful dry cough, lethargy, circulatory disorders, heart failure) often leads to patient death. Kidney involvement rapidly develops into renal failure and malignant hypertension.
Diagnosis of Systemic Scleroderma in Israel
To establish an accurate diagnosis of systemic scleroderma, specialists in Israel create the most complete picture of the disease in the patient. Laboratory tests of urine and blood, X-rays of joints and skeletal bones, immune system diagnostics, and ultrasound of organs showing inflammatory symptoms are then prescribed. A targeted examination of the body is conducted according to the symptoms.
Treatment of Systemic Scleroderma in Israel
Treatment of systemic scleroderma in Israel is conducted in several directions. This includes treatment of blood vessels and prevention of thrombosis. Anti-inflammatory medications and drugs that help prevent the development of fibrous tissues are prescribed concurrently. Surgical intervention is also used when necessary for plastic correction of skin disorders, removal of necrotic tissues, phalanges of fingers, and to expand the esophagus.