Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, but it does not typically cause organ failure. It is a disease that causes thickening and scarring of the skin and can also affect other organs such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidneys.
In some cases, it can cause damage to these organs, but this is not common and most organ damage is reversible if diagnosed early. In rare cases, scleroderma can be more severe and can lead to organ failure, but this can also be avoided with early diagnosis and proper care.
It is important to view scleroderma as an individual-specific condition and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
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What organs fail from scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a condition that involves the hardening and tightening of the skin or connective tissue. It can also affect internal organs. organs that can be affected by scleroderma include the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, musculoskeletal system, and other connective tissues.
The most commonly affected organ when it comes to scleroderma is the lungs, as they are particularly prone to scarring. This scarring can result in stiffening and shrinking of the lungs, which can lead to diminished lung capacity and difficulty breathing.
If the esophagus is affected, it can make it difficult for food and liquids to pass down to the stomach.
Scleroderma also affects the cardiovascular system and can cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition in which blood vessels narrow excessively. This can result in poor circulation and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The gastrointestinal tract can also be affected by scleroderma, leading to diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, and difficulty swallowing. Stomach acid can also leak back into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation.
Kidneys can be affected in a variety of ways, including impaired kidney function, proteinuria, and calcium deposits. The musculoskeletal system can also suffer from painful joints and muscles, as well as inflammation and stiffness.
Finally, scleroderma can also have a destructive effect on connective tissues, including those in the skin, eyes, and nerves. This can lead to tissue scarring, organ damage, and pain.
What is the most serious complication of scleroderma?
The most serious complication of scleroderma is organ damage, particularly to the lungs, heart, and kidneys. When scleroderma hardens the tissues of the lungs, it can cause pulmonary hypertension, a dangerous increase of pressure in the lungs’ arteries.
This can lead to restriction of airflow in the lungs, eventually leading to heart failure. Similarly, scleroderma-induced kidney damage can cause kidney failure due to long-term scarring of the tissue.
Scleroderma can also lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can damage the esophagus and lead to other digestive problems. If scleroderma is found and treated early, it is possible to manage the condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.
What are the final stages of scleroderma?
The final stages of scleroderma depend on the individual and the severity of the condition. However, in general, the late stages of scleroderma are typically characterized by increasing skin thickening, the formation of hardened patches of skin, and the accumulation of fibrosis in and around the joints.
In some cases, calcifications and ossifications (hardening and bone-like deposits) can form, which can lead to limited joint mobility and deformity. In rare cases, the thickening of the tissue in the interstitial and/or alveolar compartments of the lung can lead to pneumonias or other respiratory complications.
Systemic complications such as renal crisis, and enlargement or rupture of the heart can also occur, though these early and late stage complications are less common and usually occur late in the disease process.
Ultimately, if left untreated, scleroderma can be fatal. However, early diagnosis and stabilization of the condition can reduce the risk of developing these late-stage complications.
How fast does scleroderma progress?
Scleroderma is a progressive auto-immune disorder, which means that it does not usually have a set rate of progression. This makes it difficult to predict how quickly it will progress for a given individual.
Depending on a person’s individual circumstances and the course of their disease, the severity and rate of progression can vary greatly. Generally, scleroderma is classified into two main categories – localized and systemic.
Localized scleroderma refers to scleroderma that affects primarily the skin of a single area or area of the body. Its effects tend to be restricted to the areas of the body where the skin is affected, and it typically progresses more slowly than systemic scleroderma.
The severity and rate of progression depend on the type of localized scleroderma and can range from mild to severe.
Systemic scleroderma affects multiple organs and systems of the body. It can cause extensive damage to organs and can potentially lead to life-threatening complications. Its progression is typically more aggressive than localized scleroderma, but the rate can still be unpredictable.
In some cases, systemic scleroderma can progress quickly and in others, it can be relatively slow.
Overall, the rate at which scleroderma progresses can vary greatly from person to person and is difficult to predict. It is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare team to determine the best course of management for your individual situation.
Is scleroderma considered a terminal illness?
No, scleroderma is not considered a terminal illness. It is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin and the symptoms can vary from one person to another. People living with scleroderma can experience a range of symptoms, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, joint swelling, skin tightness, and GI issues.
As scleroderma progresses, scar tissue can form, leading to lung, heart, and kidney involvement.
Fortunately, scleroderma is not considered a terminal illness and with proper management, individuals can still have a high quality of life. There is currently no cure for scleroderma, but treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent complications.
This may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. A specialist trained in scleroderma should be consulted to develop the patient’s individualized treatment plan.
How long can you live with severe scleroderma?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the severity of the scleroderma and the overall health of the individual who has it. Generally, individuals with mild or localized scleroderma may live for many years, even for decades, if the condition is properly managed.
Those with severe forms of the disease, including systemic scleroderma, have a life expectancy that is much lower. This group may have difficulty managing the condition due to the effects on the internal organs and may not survive longer than a few years.
Research suggests that people with systemic scleroderma survive an average of 4-8 years beyond diagnosis, though some may live longer with better medical care and treatments. It is important to talk with a doctor about the prognosis and life expectancy as each individual’s specific condition will be considered when making these determinations.
What is the death rate of systemic scleroderma?
The death rate of systemic scleroderma is difficult to estimate accurately, as the condition affects people differently and the rate of progression varies significantly between individual cases. However, studies have generally estimated the median survivorship from the time of diagnosis to be 8 to 10 years, with a mortality rate of 30-50%.
This mortality rate may be higher in certain cases, depending on the severity of their symptoms, the presence of any organ damage, and a host of other individual factors.
The death rate for localized scleroderma is generally much lower, as the condition does not cause any systemic complications and does not typically cause organ damage. It is also much less likely to lead to death because its symptoms are typically much less severe than those of systemic scleroderma.
In addition to the 30-50% mortality rate estimated for systemic scleroderma, morbidity rates (risk of becoming ill or disabled) are also of concern, as they can lead to significant reductions in quality of life.
For example, up to 80% of those affected may experience hand stiffness, up to 73% may experience finger contracture, and up to 63% may experience fatigue. Furthermore, systemic scleroderma has been found to cause substantial disability in approximately 25-50% of cases.
What are the long term effects of scleroderma on a person?
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin, most often in the hands, face, and other areas of the body. The long-term effects of the disorder depend on which area of the body is affected and the severity of the condition.
In general, the main long-term impact of scleroderma is physical as the person’s skin tightens and thins over time. This tightness and thinning of the skin can lead to ulcers, joint stiffness, joint deformities, and Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition in which the small blood vessels in the extremities constrict, resulting in poor circulation).
Other potential long-term effects of scleroderma are internal organ damage, if the disorder progresses to scleroderma renal crisis or diffuse systemic sclerosis. Renal crisis is a medical emergency that involves severe kidney damage, while diffuse systemic sclerosis involves the involvement of the internal organs and can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart and lung issues.
Finally, scleroderma can also have a long-term emotional impact on the person living with the disorder. As the physical effects worsen, individuals may experience depression, anxiety, fear, and feelings of isolation.
It is important to note that treatment, medication, and lifestyle changes can help to manage the disease and its effects, and supportive counseling and psychotherapy can help with the emotional and mental health aspects of living with scleroderma.
How debilitating is scleroderma?
Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the abnormal hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. The disorder can affect many organs of the body, making it extremely debilitating for those inflicted.
Depending on the severity and the organs it affects, scleroderma can cause serious health problems.
Common symptoms of scleroderma include skin thickening and tightening, Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger discoloration in response to cold), swollen and painful joints, impaired digestion with heartburn, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
In more severe cases, scleroderma can damage the lungs, kidneys, and heart, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. This includes hypertension, interstitial lung disease, bladder dysfunction, and heart failure.
The cause of the disease is unknown, and there is no cure. Treatment is largely focused on managing symptoms and reducing complications. Medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
For those with severe organ involvement, treatments like immunosuppressants and dialysis may be necessary.
Overall, scleroderma is a very debilitating condition that can affect multiple organs and lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications. While there is no cure, treatments exist that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Can you live a normal life with systemic scleroderma?
Yes, in many cases it is possible to live a relatively normal life with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). The outlook for someone with systemic scleroderma can be very positive, depending on the severity of the case and how well it is managed.
Treatments can help to control symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease, allowing individuals to live life as close to normal as possible.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, stress management, and consuming a balanced diet high in antioxidants can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Exercise can also help maintain physical activity and keep joints flexible.
A healthy lifestyle and proper treatment can have positive results and help improve quality of life and reduce flares.
With systemic scleroderma, some individuals may have specific difficulties associated with the disease, such as having to limit physical activities due to joint pain and fatigue or having to take extra precautions when exposed to cold temperatures.
However, individuals with systemic scleroderma can live full and productive lives, with many activities still possible. It is important to work closely with a doctor to come up with a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs, which can greatly improve quality of life and help individuals with systemic scleroderma achieve their goals.
Which organ is more involved in scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder that involves the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. This can lead to damage to the organs and other parts of the body.
The organ most commonly involved in scleroderma is the lungs, as this disorder can cause scarring of the tissues, which can impair breathing and make lung infections more likely. In addition, scleroderma may also cause inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly in the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and heart.
Other organs that may be affected include the bladder, liver, pancreas, and muscles. It is important to monitor the functioning of these organs if you have scleroderma, as the disease can cause serious complications that may require medical attention.
