DOCSLIB.ORG

What's Inside: Become a Member Today!

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
What's Inside: Become a Member Today! Texas Bluebonnet Chapter Newsletter Winter/Spring 2014 President’s Welcome Message Dear Partners in the fight against Scleroderma, It is hard to believe we are already looking at March! Time has gone by so quickly and we are in full swing of activity. Our Board for the Texas Chapter has some wonderful ideas and we have started to implement several of them. Over the next several months our Board Members will be visiting all of our Support Groups and we are looking forward to meeting all of you. Follow us on Face Book and our Website. Jasminne and Jacob are working to get our social media current and running smoothly. Fundraisers are already in the works with several walks, patient educations, dinners, rummage sales and disc golf tournaments. These are just a glimpse of some of the things we have coming this year. Stay tuned we have a lot more in store! - Audrey What's Inside: Become A Member Today! 1- Meet Your Board of Directors 2- Scleroderma Stories The Scleroderma Foundation TX Bluebonnet 3- The Doctor Is In-Finger Ulcers Chapter needs you! 5- Chapter News & Events Are you a member already? Do you receive the 7- Scleroderma Spotlight: Johns Scleroderma Voice? Do you need to renew Hopkins Study your annual membership? Not sure? Please go to our chapter page and sign up to become a member of the TX chapter today. Get Connected! Your membership keeps you up to date on chapter news and events and helps raise TX Chapter FB Page awareness and provide funds for research. San Antonio Facebook Page Check out: www.scleroderma.org for more Corpus Christie Facebook Page information. Scleroderma Foundation Facebook Twitter: @sclerotxchapter Updated Support Group Contact Info To get in touch with your local support group leader please click HERE. Meet New Board Members Jasminne Mendez “I was diagnosed with scleroderma in May 2007. At first the diagnosis was very scary and unnerving. I did some research and found that there were support groups in my area and a community of people who shared my experience. I became an active member in the Scleroderma Foundation TX chapter participating in walks and volunteering at events. I decided to Why did you become a board member because I want to help become spread awareness and increase the public’s interested in the understanding of what scleroderma is and how they can help find a cure.” Scleroderma Foundation? Karen Padgett “I am interested in the Scleroderma Foundation because it makes me feel Sue Lane like I have found a place where I belong and people will understand what I'm going through. I became a member of the board “I am interested in becoming a more because I want to be involved in active member of the Scleroderma planning how to improve ways to Foundation because my best friend from educate the general public, work five years old was taken by Scleroderma closely with other's on making about eleven years ago. I would like to decisions on fund raising and improve help find a cure and I am aware of the our support group attendance as well amount of research that needs to be as get the chance to work with done and the funding necessary to medical professional's to educate the accomplish that. As a board member, I ones that aren't familiar with this would like to try to get into the illness. Lastly, I want to help find a corporations to get grants or large cure so no one else will suffer with donations for research. I also see a need this mean illness. If I can make the for public awareness because very few difference for just one person it has people have ever heard about it or all been worth my time.” understand what it is. Therefore, it is my hope that I can be helpful in those areas.” Scleroderma Stories “I accept my scleroderma, because it's who I am.” My name is Kelly Marie Williamson and I am 17 going on 18. I was born on April 4th, 1996 to my parents Robert and Betsy Williamson and my 3 siblings Kyle, Karis and Kenney. I lived in South Florida for the majority of my life until 9 months ago, when I moved to Houston. South Florida however, is where my journey began when I was four years old and my scleroderma started showing in the form of white spots on my body. My pediatrician decided to send me to a dermatologist because she wanted them to confirm that I had Vitiligo, but when I went to the dermatologist they found a lesion in the crook of my right knee. They took a biopsy and when the test results came back negative we had no reason to believe it was Vitiligo. One afternoon, some months down the road, my father took my sister for a doctor’s visit to the same pediatrician and I went along for the ride. Upon seeing how advanced my scleroderma had become, it now included dark, hard patches of skin, she referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist and a pediatric dermatologist. In May of 2001 I was officially diagnosed with Linear Morphea Scleroderma by Dr. Rafael Rivas Chacon, of Miami Children's Hospital, along with a Chiari I Malformation and Sleep Apnea. In the years to come I had my tonsils taken out to cure my sleep apnea, and Dr. Rivas Chacon started me on the medicines. I was on Methotrexate, Prilosec, Prednisone, and Folic Acid, which we were told was like a pill form of Chemotherapy. As life continued I stayed on my regiment of medication and doctor visits. With the scleroderma spreading down my leg I endured physical therapy to help the continuation of my muscles ability in my leg as I grew. I used a wheelchair as a child quite a bit because walking for long periods of time was a difficult task for me. When I was four years old, the Make A Wish Foundation granted me my wish of going to Disney World with my family, where I celebrated my fifth birthday. In the following years I grew up like a normal kid. I went through school although adjustments were made to make me comfortable in my classes, like taking my shoes off because of the deformities on my right leg, or taking naps because my medication made me drowsy. Most of my teachers even took their time to research the disease so they were more knowledgeable. When I hit middle school I had to have my doctor write notes for me to get out of dress code due to the unevenness of my hips, and to also get out of certain activities in gym. I went through a stage where I didn't know what to do with my body. I was uncomfortable with it and it's changes when I hit puberty because I had different issues then most girls. As a teenager afflicted with scleroderma, I looked at life through a different lens. I lived on a deeper emotional level than most others, and I had a deeper sense of compassion. I never judged others because I knew what it was like to be judged. While growing up I always tried to give everyone a chance, and let them know that I was absolutely one person they could count on as a friend. I always say: "I accept my scleroderma, because it's who I am." My journey with scleroderma has led me to experience moments that have made a lasting impact on me. I grew up caring a little more, understanding a little more, and loving a little more. I have met so many wonderful people and bonded over the fact that we have an illness, whether the same or not, that most people haven't heard of. And within each of those separate moments, over time, I learned I am just as normal and regular as the rest of the kids around me. I am just unique. This disease has sculpted me physically and mentally. It has helped me realize over the years that just because I have this disease doesn't mean I can't achieve my dreams. I see my future being bright and long. I know that I'd like to go to college and head into the field of chemistry and create cures for diseases. I'd like to continue on in my journey of spreading my story about my life with scleroderma and I'd love to find more kids with scleroderma so I can make them realize that they aren't alone. The Doctor Is In This winter has been a brutal one, even for us Texans. We have battled ice, snow, and cold rainy days. For those of us living with scleroderma, the cold can wreck havoc on our hands. Raynaud’s attacks can be severe and lead to digital ulcers. For our first “The Doctor Is in” segment, we interviewed world renowned Dr. Shervin Assassi on what ulcers are and how Scleroderma patients can manage this often painful and debilitating symptom. What are digital ulcers? Digital ulcer is a breakdown of the skin on the fingers. Digital ulcers in scleroderma patients occur typically on finger tips or knuckles. Why do Scleroderma patients get ulcers?(Causes?) The ulcers on the knuckles are typically cau sed by skin thickening and/or minor trauma while the ulcers on the fingertips are caused by the decreased blood flow to this area. The low blood flow is initially caused by the Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Wound Classification
    Wound Classification Presented by Dr. Karen Zulkowski, D.N.S., RN Montana State University Welcome! Thank you for joining this webinar about how to assess and measure a wound. 2 A Little About Myself… • Associate professor at Montana State University • Executive editor of the Journal of the World Council of Enterstomal Therapists (JWCET) and WCET International Ostomy Guidelines (2014) • Editorial board member of Ostomy Wound Management and Advances in Skin and Wound Care • Legal consultant • Former NPUAP board member 3 Today We Will Talk About • How to assess a wound • How to measure a wound Please make a note of your questions. Your Quality Improvement (QI) Specialists will follow up with you after this webinar to address them. 4 Assessing and Measuring Wounds • You completed a skin assessment and found a wound. • Now you need to determine what type of wound you found. • If it is a pressure ulcer, you need to determine the stage. 5 Assessing and Measuring Wounds This is important because— • Each type of wound has a different etiology. • Treatment may be very different. However— • Not all wounds are clear cut. • The cause may be multifactoral. 6 Types of Wounds • Vascular (arterial, venous, and mixed) • Neuropathic (diabetic) • Moisture-associated dermatitis • Skin tear • Pressure ulcer 7 Mixed Etiologies Many wounds have mixed etiologies. • There may be both venous and arterial insufficiency. • There may be diabetes and pressure characteristics. 8 Moisture-Associated Skin Damage • Also called perineal dermatitis, diaper rash, incontinence-associated dermatitis (often confused with pressure ulcers) • An inflammation of the skin in the perineal area, on and between the buttocks, into the skin folds, and down the inner thighs • Scaling of the skin with papule and vesicle formation: – These may open, with “weeping” of the skin, which exacerbates skin damage.
    [Show full text]
  • Pressure Ulcer Staging Cards and Skin Inspection Opportunities.Indd
    Pressure Ulcer Staging Pressure Ulcer Staging Suspected Deep Tissue Injury (sDTI): Purple or maroon localized area of discolored Suspected Deep Tissue Injury (sDTI): Purple or maroon localized area of discolored intact skin or blood-fi lled blister due to damage of underlying soft tissue from pressure intact skin or blood-fi lled blister due to damage of underlying soft tissue from pressure and/or shear. The area may be preceded by tissue that is painful, fi rm, mushy, boggy, and/or shear. The area may be preceded by tissue that is painful, fi rm, mushy, boggy, warmer or cooler as compared to adjacent tissue. warmer or cooler as compared to adjacent tissue. Stage 1: Intact skin with non- Stage 1: Intact skin with non- blanchable redness of a localized blanchable redness of a localized area usually over a bony prominence. area usually over a bony prominence. Darkly pigmented skin may not have Darkly pigmented skin may not have visible blanching; its color may differ visible blanching; its color may differ from surrounding area. from surrounding area. Stage 2: Partial thickness loss of Stage 2: Partial thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red pink wound bed, ulcer with a red pink wound bed, without slough. May also present as without slough. May also present as an intact or open/ruptured serum- an intact or open/ruptured serum- fi lled blister. fi lled blister. Stage 3: Full thickness tissue loss. Stage 3: Full thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but Subcutaneous fat may be visible but bone, tendon or muscle are not exposed.
    [Show full text]
  • Pressure Ulcers By: Esther Hattler BS,RN,WCC
    Pressure Ulcers By: Esther Hattler BS,RN,WCC Staging Objectives The attendee will be able to list the 6 stages of pressure ulcers. Stage I Definition Intact skin with non-blanchable redness of a localized area usually over a bony prominence. Darkly pigmented skin may not have visible blanching. Its color may differ from surrounding area. Description Stage I The area may be painful, firm, soft, warmer or cooler as compared to adjacent tissue. Stage I may be difficult to detect in individuals with dark skin tones. May indicate “at risk” persons (a heralding sign of risk). Pictures stage I Stage II Definition Partial thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red/pink wound bed, WITHOUT slough. May also present as an intact or open ruptured serum filled blister. Description stage II Presents as a shiny or dry shallow ulcer WITHOUT slough or bruising. The stage II should NOT be used to describe skin tears, tape burns, perineal dermatitis, maceration or excoriation. Pictures stage II Stage II Stage III Definition Full thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but bone, tendon, or muscle are not exposed. Slough may be present but does not obscure the depth of tissue loss. May include undermining and tunneling. Description stage III The depth of a a stage III pressure ulcer varies by anatomical location. The bridge of the nose, ear, occiput and malleolus do not have subcutaneous tissue and stage III ulcers can be shallow. In contrast, areas of significant adiposity can develop extremely deep stage III pressure ulcers.
    [Show full text]
  • Oral Manifestations of Systemic and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in a Venezuelan Population
    J Oral Pathol Med (2007) 36: 524–7 ª 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation ª Blackwell Munksgaard Æ All rights reserved doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2007.00569.x www.blackwellmunksgaard.com/jopm Oral manifestations of systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus in a Venezuelan population Jeaneth Lo´pez-Labady1, Mariana Villarroel-Dorrego2, Nieves Gonza´lez3, Ricardo Pe´rez3, Magdalena Mata de Henning1 1Dental School; 2Oral Medicine; 3Medical School, Universidad Central de Venezuela Caracas, Venezuela BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to charac- and ⁄ or arthritis to renal failure or intense nervous, terize oral lesions in patients with systemic and cutane- cardiac and haematological disturbances (1). ous lupus erythematosus (LE) in a Venezuelan group. The basic manifestations of LE occur in the connect- METHODS: Ninety patients with LE were studied. Oral ive tissue and blood vessels, but depending on the biopsies were taken from patients who showed oral mu- anatomical location and course of the disease, LE has cosal involvement. Tissue samples were investigated with been classified as systemic LE (SLE) or cutaneous LE histology and direct immunofluorescence techniques for (CLE). Cutaneous lupus erythematosus includes variety the presence of immunoglobulins G, M, A and comple- of LE-specific skin lesions that are subdivided into three ment factor C3. categories: chronic CLE (CCLE), subacute CLE (SCLE) RESULTS: In 90 patients with LE, 10 patients showed oral and acute CLE (ACLE) based on clinical morphology lesions related to the disease. Sixteen lesions were and histopathologic examination (2–4). investigated. Oral ulcerations accompanied by white Patients with SLE frequently show cutaneous mani- irradiating striae occurred in five patients, erythema was festations during the course of the disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Healed Corneal Ulcer with Keloid Formation
    Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology (2012) 26, 245–248 Case Report Healed corneal ulcer with keloid formation ⇑ Hind M. Alkatan, MD a, ; Khalid M. Al-Arfaj, MD c; Mohammed Hantera, MD d; Soliman Al-Kharashi, MD b Abstract We are reporting a 34-year-old Arabic white female patient who presented with a white mass covering her left cornea following multiple ocular surgeries and healed corneal ulcer. The lesion obscured further view of the iris, pupil and lens. The patient under- went penetrating keratoplasty and the histopathologic study of the left corneal button showed epithelial hyperplasia, absent Bow- man’s layer and subepithelial fibrovascular proliferation. The histopathologic appearance was suggestive of a corneal keloid which was supported by further ultrastructural study. The corneal graft remained clear 6 months after surgery and the patient was sat- isfied with the visual outcome. Penetrating keratoplasty may be an effective surgical option for corneal keloids in young adult patients. Keywords: Corneal mass, Histopathology, Keloid, Penetrating keratoplasty Ó 2012 Saudi Ophthalmological Society, King Saud University. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.sjopt.2011.10.005 Introduction segment has been often unsuccessful.7 In extreme cases, the eyes were eventually enucleated due to spontaneous corneal Keloids and hypertrophic scars are fibrous tissue out- perforation or buphthalmos.8 We describe a case of corneal growths that result from a deviation from normal wound- keloid after healed corneal ulcer which was successfully man- healing process and were first described in 1865.1 Clinically, aged by penetrating keratoplasty. The clinical, histopatho- corneal keloids appear as gray–white elevated masses dif- logic, and ultrastructural findings are all presented.
    [Show full text]
  • Oral Ulcers in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Review of the Literature
    Am J Clin Dermatol DOI 10.1007/s40257-017-0286-9 REVIEW ARTICLE Oral Ulcers in Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review of the Literature 1 3 2 Pongsawat Rodsaward • Titipong Prueksrisakul • Tawatchai Deekajorndech • 4 5,6 1 Steven W. Edwards • Michael W. Beresford • Direkrit Chiewchengchol Ó The Author(s) 2017. This article is an open access publication Abstract Oral ulcers are the most common mucosal sign in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). Key Points The ulcers are one of the key clinical features; however, the terminology of oral ulcers, especially in JSLE patients, is Oral ulcers are one of the key clinical features in often vague and ill-defined. In fact, there are several clin- juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) ical manifestations of oral ulcers in JSLE, and some lesions patients; however, the terminology remains unclear. occur when the disease is active, indicating that early management of the disease should be started. Oral ulcers There are several oral ulcers in JSLE patients that are classified as lupus erythematosus (LE) specific, where sometimes go unnoticed, and some ulcers indicate the lesional biopsy shows a unique pattern of mucosal that treatment should be started promptly. change in LE, and LE nonspecific, where the ulcers and Lesional biopsy is required when other oral diseases their histopathological findings can be found in other oral cannot be excluded, such as oral lichen planus and diseases. Here, the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and oral lichenoid contact lesions. management of oral ulcers in JSLE patients are reviewed. 1 Introduction & Direkrit Chiewchengchol Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is one [email protected] of the most common autoimmune diseases in children and has a clinical course ranging from mild, gradual onset to 1 Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune-mediated Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, rapid, progressive multi-organ failure [1].
    [Show full text]
  • Large, Nonhealing Scalp Ulcer Associated with Scarring Alopecia and Sclerodermatous Change in a Patient with Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
    Large, Nonhealing Scalp Ulcer Associated With Scarring Alopecia and Sclerodermatous Change in a Patient With Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Marc J. Inglese, MD; Bethany M. Bergamo, MD Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a disorder Case Report caused by deficient activity of a liver enzyme that A 61-year-old white man was seen in late June leads to the accumulation of photoactive metabo- 2002 by his primary care physician for a sore lites in the skin. The initial clinical presentation on the scalp. The sore began as a bump on the commonly includes mechanical fragility of the head 10 days prior, when the patient hit his head skin and blisters in sun-exposed areas. Sclero- while exiting his vehicle. The sore continued to dermatous skin changes and scarring alopecia enlarge, became painful and bruised, and began are described in up to 20% of patients. Although interfering with his sleep. At the time of the these unique skin changes have been reported in incident, the patient also scratched his chin and the literature, information regarding nonhealing also developed a similar lesion there. He reported ulcers of extraordinary size is lacking. We report that for the previous 2 to 3 years, he had had a unique cutaneous manifestation of PCT that is “thin skin” and that minimal trauma often led to not well documented: unusually large, nonheal- lesions on his head and hands that turned into ing ulcers in the setting of sclerodermatous skin difficult-to-heal ulcerations. The patient’s medi- changes and scarring alopecia. cal history was significant for osteoarthritis and Cutis.
    [Show full text]
  • Resident's Page
    Resident’s Page SScarscars iinn ddermatology:ermatology: CClinicallinical signisignifi ccanceance BB.. AAnitha,nitha, SS.. RRagunatha,agunatha, AArunrun CC.. IInamadarnamadar Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, BLDEA’s SBMP Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bijapur, Karnataka, India AAddressddress fforor ccorrespondenceorrespondence : Dr. Arun C. Inamadar, Professorand Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, BLDEA’s SBMP Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bijapur - 586103, Karnataka, India. E-mail:[email protected] [2] A scar is a scar is a scar and only a scar if you don’t ask ß1 protects the collagen from degradation. why” - Shelly and Shelly CCLASSIFICATIONLASSIFICATION OOFF SSCARSCARS[[3]3] A scar is a fibrous tissue replacement that develops as a 1. Fine line scars: Surgical scars consequence of healing at the site of a prior ulcer or 2. Wide (stretched) scars: These develop when fine wound. Cutaneous scarring is a macroscopic disturbance of line surgical scars gradually become stretched the normal structure and function of the skin architecture and widened. They are typically flat, pale, soft, manifesting itself as an elevated or depressed area, with an symptomless scars. Abdominal striae of pregnancy alteration of skin texture, color, vascularity, nerve supply can be considered as variants of these. [1] and biomechanical properties. 3. Atrophic scars: These are flat or depressed below the surrounding skin. They are generally small and Histologically, dermal scars are characterized by thickened often round with an indented or inverted centre. epidermis with a flattened dermo-epidermal junction and They commonly arise after acne or chickenpox. an abnormal organization of the dermal matrix into parallel 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
    Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex in Cats and Eosinophilic Granulomas in Dogs Basics OVERVIEW • Cats—“eosinophilic granuloma complex” often is a confusing term used for four distinct syndromes: (1) “eosinophilic plaque” (circumscribed, raised, round to oval lesions that frequently are ulcerated; usually located on the abdomen or thighs; lesions contain a type of white blood cell, called an eosinophil); (2) “eosinophilic granuloma” (a mass or nodular lesion containing eosinophils; usually found on the back of the thighs, on the face, or in the mouth); (3) “indolent ulcer” (circumscribed, ulcerated lesions; most frequently found on upper lip); (4) allergic miliary dermatitis (skin inflammation characterized by numerous, small, crusty bumps); the four syndromes are grouped together as “eosinophilic granuloma complex” primarily according to their clinical similarities, their frequent simultaneous development and tendency to recur, and their positive response to treatment with steroids • Dogs—”eosinophilic granulomas” are rare; not part of the eosinophilic granuloma complex; specific differences from cats are presented in the following information • “Eosinophilic” refers to eosinophils, a type of white-blood cell usually involved in allergic responses • “Granuloma” is a large inflammatory nodule or solid mass • “Complex” is a group of signs or diseases that have an identifiable characteristic that makes them similar in some fashion GENETICS • Several reports of related affected individuals and a study of disease development in a colony of cats
    [Show full text]
  • Physical Injury As a Provoking Factor in Three Patients with Scleroderma
    CASE REPORT Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2000; 18: 622-624. Physical injury as a ABSTRACT cirrhosis were found on ultrasound ex- A 51-year-old female developed linear- amination. provoking factor in like scleroderma in the left thigh In 1975, plaques characteristic of lichen three patients with following a linear wound caused by a ruber planus appeared on both buttocks car accident. 27 years later she also following several intramuscular injec- scleroderma developed a typical diffuse cutaneous tions. In 1983, symmetric polyarthralgia systemic sclerosis with extensive skin in the metacarpophalangeal and proxi- A. Komócsi, E. Tóvári, involvement and bibasilar pulmonary mal interphalangeal joint lines were de- 1 fibrosis. The second case is a 39-year- tected without any classical signs of in- J. Kovács , L. Czirják old female who had a history of flammation. A positive LE test, a homo- Raynaud’s phenomenon since early geneous antinuclear antibody staining Nephrological Center and 2nd Department childhood. She developed a morphea pattern (on rat liver section), and a mod- of Internal Medicine, University Medical following a burning injury of the left erately elevated Waaler-Rose titer were 1 School of Pécs, Pécs; Department of thigh. 17 years later she also devel- also found. In 1985, a bronchopneumo- Pathology, University Medical School of oped a typical limited cutaneous nia with a septic-toxic state was detected Debrecen, Debrecen; Hungary. systemic sclerosis with sclerodactyly, and cured. In the following years, apart András Komócsi, MD; Eszter Tóvári, MD; skin ulcers and subcutaneous calcino- from polyarthralgia, the patient was heal- Judit Kovács, MD, PhD; László Czirják MD, D.Sc.
    [Show full text]
  • Necrobiosis Lipoidica a Rare Disease Affecting Many
    Rare & Orphan Disease Summit May 21, 2021 Necrobiosis Lipoidica A Rare Disease Affecting Many David Young, PharmD, PhD Chairman and CEO Disclaimer: Forward Looking St at ement s The following summary is provided for informational Forward‐looking statements, by their very nature, are purposes only and does not constitute an offer or subject to uncertainties and contingencies and assume solicitation to acquire interests in the investment or any certain known and unknown risks. Since the impact of related or associated company. these risks, uncertainties and other factors is unpredictable, actual results and financial performance may The information contained here is general in nature and is substantially differ from the details expressed or implied not intended as legal, tax or investment advice. herein. Please refer to the documents filed by Processa Furthermore, the information contained herein may not be Pharmaceuticals with the SEC, specifically the most recent applicable to or suitable for an individual’s specific reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, which identify important circumstances or needs and may require consideration of risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from other matters. The Company and its directors, officers, those contained in the forward-looking statements. The employees and consultants do not assume any obligation Company does not assume any obligation to release to inform any person of any changes or other factors that updates or revisions to forward‐looking statements could affect the information contained herein. contained herein. These materials may include forward‐looking statements including financial projections, plans, target and schedules on the basis of currently available information and are intended only as illustrations of potential future performance, and all have been prepared internally.
    [Show full text]
  • Cutaneous Wounds in Systemic Sclerosis
    PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT Cutaneous wounds in systemic sclerosis KEY WORDS Systemic sclerosis, also known as systemic or diffuse scleroderma, is an uncommon Raynaud’s phenomenon autoimmune connective tissue disease. Although not fully understood, the disease Scleroderma process is thought to involve immune dysfunction, vascular abnormalities and excess Systemic sclerosis collagen deposition. Skin ulcers are reported to occur in up to 50% of patients and have a Ulcer Wound major impact on patients’ quality of life (Khimdas et al, 2011). Specific problems include digital ulcers, ulcers over joint contractures or calcinosis, and lower limb ulcers, which can be severe and associated with gangrene. The authors describe cases of chronic wounds seen in patients with an underlying diagnosis of systemic sclerosis, highlighting the challenging nature of managing this condition for the wound specialist. ystemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is an and pruritus. Diagnosis is usually based on the uncommon autoimmune connective tissue fulfilment of classification criteria defined by the disease. One review article (Ingegnoli et al, American College of Rheumatology and European S2018) estimated that the prevalence of systemic League Against Rheumatism Collaborative (van sclerosis was between 38 and 341 cases per million den Hoogen et al, 2013). The presence of skin worldwide. The true prevalence is difficult to thickening of the fingers on both hands, extending ascertain because of the rarity of the disease, and the proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, is small number of epidemiological studies relating to sufficient on its own to diagnose systemic sclerosis. it, as well as the geographical variations in incidence However, there are other features which, if present and disease classification.
    [Show full text]