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Date Submitted:
12/12/07
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Scleroderma: A Rare but Devastating Disease
Description:
The skin thickens and tightens, becoming deformed and unyielding. Then, the skin around the body's joints allows for less and less bending. Hands, elbows and knees all become stiff.
In worst cases, the hardening can reach into the internal organs, with potentially life-threatening results. The kidneys, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract and vascular system can become compromised, their normal processes hindered or halted as the organs grow rigid. The disease is called scleroderma, and no one is sure what causes it or how it can be cured. An estimated 200 to 300 people per million in the United States suffer from scleroderma, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Some 12 to 20 new cases per million are diagnosed annually. Scleroderma is believed to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system turns against one's own body. "Your body attacks itself," said Read the Complete Article Similar content: Scleroderma: A Rare but Devastating Disease, in Multiple Sclerosis Aplastic Anemia: A Rare Disease With a Better Prognosis, in Leukemia New Medication Slows Rare Kidney Disease, in Alzheimers New Medication Slows Rare Kidney Disease, in Arthritis Drug developed for rare disease may help millions more as treatment for cancer, autoimmune diseases, in Cancer |
