Cellular immunity in progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Cellular immunity in progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) or scleroderma is a multisystem disease which is usually grouped with other systemic rheumatic or connective tissue disorders. As a class these conditions are believed to result, at least in part, from aberrant immunity (Rodnan, 1971). Previous studies have demonstrated that a significant percentage of affected patients develop a spectrum of autoantibodies, ...

Scleroderma renal crisis in progressive systemic sclerosis: a case report.

We report a case of progressive systemic sclerosis with scleroderma renal crisis 10 years after onset. The patient (female) had progressive renal dysfunction, hypertension which was difficult to control, and massive gastrointestinal bleeding. An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) could not control her hypertension. Only intravenous nicardipine had a slight effect on her hyperte...

Serum amyloid A protein concentration in progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Serum amyloid A protein (SAA) concentrations were determined in 62 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). Forty-seven patients had normal or slightly elevated SAA levels (less than 1000 ng/ml = micrograms/l), while 15 patients had moderately to markedly elevated SAA levels, similar to those observed in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (greater than or equal to 1000 ng/ml = microgra...

Anesthesia considerations for the patient with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

The articular manifestations of progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

The articular manifestations of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) were studied in 38 patients. Of these, 66% experienced joint pain and 61% had signs of joint inflammation. Limitation of joint movement was seen in 45%. Radiological abnormalities included periarticular osteoporosis (42%), joint space narrowing (34%), and erosions (40%). Erosive disease did not correlate with disease duration,...