Scleroderma News

Patients with connective tissue disease and systemic sclerosis who were positive for anti-U1 RNP antibodies had a decreased mortality risk, according to recently published research.

Cytori Therapeutics Inc. announced it has enrolled 20 patients into its STAR scleroderma trial, meeting 25% of its target enrollment in the study of fat harvest from small volume liposuction and finger injection, according to a company press release.

In the spring and summer seasons during a 2-year period, 80% of patients with systemic sclerosis had deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D, according to the results of a recently published study.

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association has released a report available to the public that addresses topics in autoimmune diseases, research and patient information following a one-day autoimmune summit in Washington, D.C., that involved about 20 researchers.

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin tightness, thickening and inflammation, but the condition can also affect the lungs, throat, heart, kidneys and intestines, among other areas. Although the condition mainly affects the skin, other types of scleroderma affect other parts of the body.

Among patients with systemic sclerosis, calcinosis was associated with the presence of digital ulcers and osteoporosis, according to recently presented research.

The mortality rate for hospitalized patients with systemic sclerosis in the United States was lower between 1999 and 2011, but rates remain higher compared to in-hospital patients with other rheumatic diseases and the overall public, according to researchers from Harvard Medical School.

Recently presented data showed patients with Raynaud’s syndrome treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors had reduced frequency and duration of disease flares, which were also less painful following treatment.

Patients with systemic sclerosis were likely to be deficient in micronutrients, including selenium, folic acid and prealbumin, according to data presented by researchers at the University Hospital Zurich.

Royal Philips announced the release of Lumify, a subscription-based smart device ultrasound solution for purchase by licensed U.S. health care providers and organizations.