OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF TREATMENT OF EARLY DIFFUSE SCLERODERMA

Since 2001 the Scleroderma Society has been funding a study investigating the safety and effectiveness of different treatments in people with early diffuse scleroderma. We are committed to continue funding this important  study. If you would like to contribute to our on-going support of this work, please make a donation now.

Diffuse scleroderma is that type of scleroderma in which skin thickening involves not only the face, hands, forearms and feet but also the upper arms, trunk and/or thighs. Although there is much which can be done to help people with scleroderma, at present there is no treatment which is known to cure the disease and to improve, or prevent progression of, skin thickening.

The study is being run by the UK Systemic Sclerosis Study Group (a group of doctors interested in scleroderma).The design of the study is 'observational'. This means that doctors select for each person what they feel is likely to be the best approach to treatment for him/her, and then monitor things carefully according to standard guidelines. Doctors from throughout the UK have been invited to take part. Because everyone in the study is monitored in the same way, it should be possible to make some comparisons between the different treatments.

So far 150 people with diffuse scleroderma have been included into the study. The study is ongoing and should make a significant contribution to the search to identify safe and effective treatments. 

Please help us to continue supporting this important work by making a donation to The Scleroderma Society.