Systemic sclerosis, otherwise known as Scleroderma, is an auto-immune disorder that affects both internal and external organs and the central nervous system
Systemic sclerosis occurs predominantly in middle-aged persons. Systemic sclerosis typically has no identifiable genetic, heredity or environmental factors contributing to its occurrence. However, it can be genetically linked, with a family history of the condition being one of the strongest risk factors. This makes the condition more common among those who have a family history of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Systemic sclerosis, also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects people over the age of 50. Scleroderma SLE is more common in men and women and tends to occur in people with a family history of the disease, although there is no clear evidence to indicate gender differences in the incidence of the disease. Systemic sclerosis is a disease of myelin, the fatty layer of myelin that transmits nerve signals. Systemic sclerosis is also associated with multiple organ failure. The most common symptoms include stiffness, muscle weakness, fever, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and weight loss.
Systemic sclerosis can affect any organ in the body, but is more common in the kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, and bones. There are also known cases when the disease is found in the brain, spleen and bone marrow. Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the location of the affected organ.
Systemic sclerosis and lupus erythematosus share some characteristics in common, such as their ability to affect people of all ages, their immune-inflammatory nature, and the fact that they occur at different times in the life cycle. Lupus erythematosus, which affects young women, is characterized by widespread skin rashes and redness that usually appear on the face, neck, back, shoulders, hips, and ankles, especially the elbows and feet. Lupus affects the central nervous system, heart and circulatory system and can eventually lead to heart attack and stroke.
Systemic sclerosis and Lupus Erythematosus often co-exist, particularly if the condition is present since childhood and affects both genders, and if left untreated, the disorder can progress to cause irreversible disability. Lupus patients often experience symptoms of fatigue, fever, joint aches, muscle pain, night sweats, blurred vision, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, urinary and bowel control, and unexplained hair loss.
Systemic sclerosis and Lupus Erythematosus may be diagnosed by a physical exam and laboratory studies including blood tests. A health care provider will use a variety of tests to rule out other diseases, such as HIV or AIDS, a blood test for anti-rheumatic disease, lymphocyte antibody testing, X-rays, CT scans, and/or an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
Other laboratory tests that may be performed include the following: Serum antibody titre, CBC (complete blood count), urine test, enzyme levels, RAST (radioimmunoassay) for proteinase enzymes, thyroid function, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the echocardiography test. reflex electrocardiogram (EDG) and electrocardiogram. ECGx) to monitor the heart. An imaging study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan will help determine the extent and the type of damage to the heart muscle. A magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may also be performed. A bone scan will help determine whether there is infection.
Systemic arthritis is a very serious condition, but in most cases, treatment is successful. If you are suffering from either condition and the symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, you should see your doctor to get treatment to relieve the pain and symptoms so you can get back to work or school. or home as quickly as possible.