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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by collagen deposition leading to skin and visceral fibrosis, accompanied by small vessel damage and immune abnormalities. It is a progressive chronic disease with rare but complex clinical manifestations.
The prevalence of systemic sclerosis in Europe and North America is about 38–341 cases per million, with women far outnumbering men (about 5:1). The incidence in the United States and Australia is higher than in Europe and Asia. Data from Southeast Asia are limited, but the overall prevalence appears lower, with frequent diagnostic delays and a higher risk of late-stage complications.
Early stage: Mainly Raynaud’s phenomenon, finger swelling, and mild skin tightening, with little organ fibrosis.
Middle stage: Expansion of skin hardening, difficulty swallowing, restricted breathing, and joint stiffness, with worsening organ damage.
Late stage: Extensive fibrosis involving lungs, heart, kidneys, etc., which may lead to respiratory or renal failure, with poor prognosis.
1. Skin hardening
Skin becomes thickened, tight, and discolored, often affecting the hands, face, and forearms, leading to loss of elasticity, ulcer formation, or calcified nodules.
2. Raynaud’s phenomenon
On exposure to cold or stress, fingers turn white, purple, then red, accompanied by numbness and pain. This is one of the most common early symptoms.
3. Digestive system symptoms
Includes reflux, difficulty swallowing, bloating, and abnormal bowel movements. Reduced esophageal motility often leads to severe heartburn.
4. Respiratory system involvement
Interstitial lung disease causes persistent dry cough and shortness of breath. Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis are the most common fatal complications.
5. Cardiac damage
Arrhythmia, pericardial effusion, and heart failure may occur, often caused by fibrosis and microvascular lesions.
6. Renal crisis
A rare but life-threatening complication, manifested as malignant hypertension and acute renal failure. ACE inhibitors must be used promptly for emergency management.
7. Skeletal and muscular manifestations
Joint stiffness, muscle weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle pain may occur, severely affecting daily function.
8. Vascular and capillary abnormalities
Finger ulcers, telangiectasia (such as facial spider angiomas), and capillary morphology changes serve as diagnostic references.
9. General non-specific symptoms
Including fatigue, weight loss, trigeminal neuralgia, and headaches, which can significantly impair quality of life.
The symptoms of systemic sclerosis are complex and variable, involving not only the skin but also internal organ functions. Without timely diagnosis and management, prognosis is poor. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that early detection and comprehensive treatment interventions are essential to improving prognosis, and recommend incorporating immune reconstruction cell therapy into treatment plans to enhance outcomes and quality of life.
