Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, can be a fatal condition. Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, as well as by destruction of capillaries and other blood vessels.
Without proper treatment, it can lead to a variety of complications. In some cases, these complications can be fatal.
One form of systemic sclerosis that can be particularly life-threatening is called Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc). This form of scleroderma can cause an abnormal buildup of collagen in the body, leading to damage to the kidneys, lungs, and other organs.
If systemic sclerosis is not treated, it can eventually cause organ failure, which can be fatal. Even with effective treatment, dcSSc can still lead to serious health problems and organ damage, including kidney failure and heart failure.
Another form of systemic sclerosis that can be fatal is called Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (lcSSc). This form of scleroderma can cause damage to the esophagus, lungs, and liver. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing, making it difficult to eat, leading to nutritional deficiencies and eventually death.
It is important to note that systemic sclerosis is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. Early detection and proper treatment are essential for managing the disease, and for minimizing the risks of complications.
If you have any symptoms of scleroderma, including tight, shiny skin, joint pain, or difficulty swallowing, you should see your doctor right away.
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How can scleroderma be fatal?
Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the body’s connective tissues. While it can’t usually be cured, it is usually managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Scleroderma can be fatal if the sufferer experiences more severe, systemic complications. These can include, but are not limited to, pulmonary hypertension, renal crisis, heart arrhythmia, and changes to the gastrointestinal tract.
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing and other serious cardiovascular side effects. When pulmonary hypertension is severe and not managed properly, it can eventually be fatal.
Renal crisis is a complication of scleroderma that causes the kidneys to fail. The kidneys’ filtration process becomes impaired, resulting in electrolyte and fluid imbalances, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is a common complication of scleroderma that can cause serious physical side effects, including fainting and increased risk of stroke or heart attack. If it isn’t properly managed through medication and dietary changes, it can potentially be fatal.
Changes to the gastrointestinal tract can also be fatal for scleroderma patients. Gastrointestinal tract damage caused by scleroderma can lead to stricture, which is the narrowing of the gut, and can also cause bleeding in the esophagus.
Severe gastric reflux can result, which can eventually be fatal if left untreated.
While it is not always the case, scleroderma can potentially be fatal if complications arise and they aren’t addressed and regularly monitored by a healthcare provider. However, with careful management and lifestyle changes, the disorder can be managed effectively.
What are the final stages of scleroderma?
The final stages of scleroderma can vary depending on the type of scleroderma that the individual has. In some cases, the individual may experience a complete remission with no visible or symptomatic effects.
In other cases, the individual may experience a slow progression of the disease. Ultimately, the individual may experience tissue damage, organ failure, and respiratory distress.
The effects of scleroderma can also vary from person to person. As scleroderma progresses, individuals may experience reduced mobility and joint pain. The skin can become thicker and more scarred, and in some cases, ulcerations may occur.
Respiratory difficulty can occur as a result of damage to the chest wall.
In addition, some individuals may experience cardiovascular issues, including peripheral vascular disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. Gastrointestinal issues, such as dysphagia, constipation, and acid reflux, may also be present.
Loss of kidney function and anemia may occur as well.
Finally, psychological impacts may occur due to the physical limitations of the disease and the unpredictability of its progression. It can be especially difficult for individuals who have not had a complete remission.
Coping strategies, such as support groups and counseling, may be necessary to help with these psychological difficulties.
What is the life expectancy with scleroderma?
The life expectancy with scleroderma varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. One of the most common forms of scleroderma, localized scleroderma, typically has an excellent prognosis and many people live a normal life expectancy with this condition.
On the other hand, individuals with systemic scleroderma typically have a shorter life expectancy due to the complications associated with this condition. Factors that can influence life expectancy in individuals with systemic scleroderma include age, extent of organ involvement, skin tightness, and pulmonary complications.
People with systemic scleroderma are generally not expected to live longer than 8-10 years from the onset of symptoms. However, mortality rates for systemic scleroderma have been declining over the past two decades due to improved diagnosis and treatment.
Aside from systemic scleroderma, certain medical conditions can complicate the course of scleroderma, such as pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease, which can shorten life expectancy. Additionally, people with scleroderma are more likely to develop certain types of malignancy, such as gastrointestinal and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Overall, individuals with scleroderma should focus on living a healthy lifestyle and adhering to treatment plans to increase life expectancy. Working with a team of experienced medical professionals specializing in scleroderma is also essential in ensuring optimal health and well-being.
What is the most serious complication of scleroderma?
The most serious complication of scleroderma is called organ or systemic involvement. When this occurs, scleroderma can affect the vital organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue) is the most frequent cause of illness and death in scleroderma patients.
This can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection. Scleroderma can also cause heart disease and hypertension, as well as Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes.
Additionally, kidney problems can also occur, including a form of kidney disease called scleroderma renal crisis, which can result in kidney failure if not treated correctly. All of these complications can be serious, and can lead to long-term disability or even death if left untreated.
It is important to speak with a physician if any of these signs or symptoms occur, in order to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
How fast does scleroderma progress?
The rate of progression of scleroderma can vary greatly from person to person. It is typically a slow, progressive disease. The rate of progression can vary depending on the affected organ and tissue.
In some individuals, it can remain stable or even regress over time. Generally, scleroderma progresses in a stepwise fashion, meaning that symptoms may become worse or new symptoms may appear gradually over time.
The average rate of progression is usually somewhere between 1 and 2 years. However, it is important to note that this rate can vary significantly between individuals and changes in progression can also occur rapidly in some cases.
In general, pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems that can be affected by scleroderma tend to progress the most rapidly, while skin and joint involvement may progress more slowly. While there are no specific ways to predict how quickly scleroderma may progress in any individual, managing disease symptoms and talking to your healthcare provider can help to slow the rate of progression and prevent or reduce complications associated with the disease.
What is the death rate of systemic scleroderma?
The death rate of systemic scleroderma varies depending on the severity of the disease and its associated complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the five-year survival rate for systemic scleroderma ranges from 48 to 86 percent.
Most deaths occur within the first year of diagnosis, with an estimated fatality rate between 7-14%.
The cause of death due to systemic scleroderma is generally related to complications of the disease, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, renal crisis, malignancies, stroke or sepsis. People with generalized scleroderma are at higher risk of death from associated causes.
It is estimated that about 25% of people who have systemic scleroderma eventually pass away from the disease or its complications.
Therefore, the death rate of systemic scleroderma is influenced by many factors, and is difficult to estimate. It is important for individuals living with systemic scleroderma to be aware of the potential complications of the condition and to work closely with a doctor to manage the condition.
What happens if you dont treat scleroderma?
If scleroderma is not treated, it can lead to potentially serious complications. Without treatment, the proteins that accumulate can make the skin even thicker and more rigid, and restrict movement of the joints.
Damage to major organs such as the lungs, heart and kidneys can occur, leading to further complications. Such organ damage can be life-threatening, and individuals with scleroderma can suffer from chronic pain and fatigue.
Scleroderma can cause a person’s auto-immune system to attack their own tissues, leading to further complications. For example, an individual may suffer from damage to their gastrointestinal tract which can be accompanied by abdominal pain and difficulty in digesting food.
Reduced blood flow to the extremities as a result of scleroderma can cause damage to the finger and toe nails, as well as poor circulation in the hands and feet. Furthermore, there can be a higher risk of infection due to circulatory problems, as well as issues with scarring due to poor healing between skin creases.
All of these problems can reduce the quality of life for an individual with scleroderma if the condition is not treated, and can even lead to death. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and begin treatment as soon as possible to reduce the potential impact of the condition.
What confers the greatest risk of mortality in scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a serious, potentially life-threatening autoimmune disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications. While many of the symptoms of scleroderma can be managed with treatment, the disease can still result in mortality from several causes.
The greatest risk of mortality from scleroderma is due to complications from pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. PAH can be caused by an overabundance of connective tissue in the lungs or as a result of damage to the small blood vessels of the lungs.
In severe cases, it can cause significant stress on the right side of the heart and eventually lead to heart failure. Other risks of mortality include severe kidney involvement, severe Raynaud’s phenomenon, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Additionally, some individuals may be at risk of dying from suicide because of the psychosocial impact of living with a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease. Effective management of symptoms and early detection of complications can help reduce the risk of mortality from scleroderma.
How long can you live with severe scleroderma?
The prognosis for people with severe scleroderma varies significantly, and is largely dependent on the form and organs affected by the disease. Generally speaking, the prognosis for people with localized (limited to a particular region of the body) scleroderma is usually much better than for those with widespread (affecting multiple parts of the body) scleroderma.
Furthermore, treatment and general health play a substantial role and can significantly increase life expectancy.
On average, people living with severe scleroderma can expect to live anywhere between three to five years after diagnosis, provided they receive effective treatment. However, people who receive proper medical care and follow a healthy lifestyle can live much longer, often going on to live a full and meaningful life.
Additionally, the outlook for young people with scleroderma is much better. Those who are diagnosed before the age of 30 have a five-year survival rate of around 90%, and those diagnosed before the age of 55 have an approximate five-year survival rate of 58%.
No matter the form or severity of scleroderma, it is important to remain diligent with your treatment plan and closely follow your doctor’s instructions. With the right care and support, it is possible to have a positive outcome and live a long and fulfilling life with scleroderma.
Can you pass away from scleroderma?
Yes, it is possible to pass away from scleroderma. Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease with no known cure. When the skin and connective tissues harden and contract, it restricts blood flow and causes tissue damage and organ failure.
This can lead to complications that can be fatal if left untreated. While scleroderma affects people differently, some common complications include respiratory problems, kidney disease, heart failure, and gastrointestinal issues.
People with severe cases of scleroderma may experience a decrease in their quality of life, and in some rare cases, scleroderma can lead to death. It is important for people with scleroderma to receive regular care and monitoring from their healthcare provider to help prevent or manage symptoms and reduce their risk of developing other complications.
