Scleroderma

1. What are the characteristics of scleroderma?
2. What is CREST syndrome?
3. What are the symptoms of scleroderma?
*4. What is Raynaud's phenomena? What are other causes of Raynaud's?
5. What is the treatment of scleroderma?
*6. What is eosinophilic fasciitis?

Answers:
1. Skin thickening with fibrosis-like changes in the skin and epithelial tissues of affected organs.
2. CREST (variant of scleroderma) = Calcinosis, Raynaud's, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia.
3. Skin thickening, symmetric arthritis, Raynaud's.
4. Raynaud's involves vasospasm of digital arteries causing ischemia and ulceration of fingertips, triggered by cold or stress. Other causes include SLE, RA, dermatomyositis, arterial occlusive disease, pulmonary HTN, SCI, CVA, blood dyscrasia, medications.
5. Maintain ROM BID, strengthening. For Raynaud's, educate against triggers, rewarming, Ca channel blockers, biofeedback.
6. Eosinophilic fasciitis is a variant of scleroderma precipitated by strenuous exercise, resulting in pain and swelling. It is treated with steroids.