bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Systemic Sclerosis
Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis
Measures to relieve symptoms and reduce organ damage There is no cure for systemic sclerosis. No drug can stop the progression of systemic sclerosis. However, drugs can relieve some symptoms and reduce organ damage. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve joint pain but may cause gastrointestinal problems. However, NSAIDs are not given to people who have systemic sclerosis and who have a history of stomach bleeding or ulcers, or who have chronic kidney disease. If the person has weakness because of Autoimmune Myositis , corticosteroids are given, usually with another drug such as are 2 newer immunosuppressive drugs that may be helpful in people with progressive lung disease. Some people may need a Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation . Doctors treat severe Pulmonary Hypertension with drugs, including Heartburn can be relieved by eating small meals, taking antacids, and using proton pump inhibitors, which block stomach acid production. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated and not lying down within 3 hours of the last meal often help. Areas of the esophagus narrowed by scar tissue can be surgically widened (dilated). can help prevent the overgrowth of bacteria in the damaged intestine and may relieve symptoms of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) , such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A calcium channel blocker (such asnifedipine) may relieve the symptoms of Raynaud syndrome but may also increase the reflux of stomach acid. The drugsbosentan,sildenafil,tadalafil, andvardenafilare other alternatives for severe Raynaud syndrome. People should dress warmly, wear gloves, and keep their head warm. Drugs for high blood pressure, particularly angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are useful in treating Acute Kidney Injury and the rise in blood pressure (scleroderma renal crisis). If chronic kidney disease results and is severe enough to require permanent Stem Cell Transplantation may become a treatment option in the future for people who have severe diffuse systemic sclerosis. Doctors may inject the chemicalsodium thiosulfateinto calcium deposits in the skin. If the deposits are very large, doctors can surgically remove them. But neither the injection nor surgery is always beneficial. Physical Therapy (PT) and exercise can help maintain muscle strength but cannot totally prevent joints from freezing in contractures. 