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Systemic SclerosisAka: Scleroderma

Pathophysiology
1. Idiopathic collagen disease
2. Progressive muscle atrophy and fibrosis
3. Esophagus changes
  1. Loss of peristalsis
  2. Sphincter reduction
Symptoms
1. Gradual symptom onset
2. Anorexia
3. Dyspnea
4. Dysphagia
5. Reduced sweating
6. Arthralgias
Signs
1. Low grade fever
2. Skin contracted with immobility and symmetric deformity
3. Muscular weakness
4. Limited chest expansion
5. Limited jaw opening
Complications
1. Esophageal Dysmotility
  1. Substantial Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  2. Barrett's Esophagus
Management: Esophageal Dysmotility
1. Chew food well and drink adequate liquids with food
2. Gastric acid reduction
  1. H2 Blocker (e.g. Ranitidine)
  2. Proton Pump Inhibitor (e.g. Prilosec)

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, and was last revised 1/27/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0.