SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

This study tested whether using a stem cell transplant early is better than standard immunosuppressive drugs for people with early, severe scleroderma. Sixty adults with diffuse scleroderma were randomly assigned to get either an upfront stem cell transplant or usual care with cy…

This study tested whether adding a strong immune-suppressing drug (cyclophosphamide) to standard steroid treatment (prednisone) could stop or slow lung damage in people with scleroderma-related lung disease. 40 adults with worsening lung function took part. The goal was to see if…

This small study tested a drug called nemolizumab in 6 people with systemic sclerosis, a rare disease that causes skin to harden and tighten. The goal was to see if the drug could reduce skin thickness over 24 weeks and check for side effects. Results may help guide future resear…

This study tested whether a chest ultrasound, a safe and painless tool, can find early signs of lung disease in people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Lung disease is a leading cause of death in this condition, and current detection methods like CT scans have drawbacks. Th…

This study tested whether a personalized home exercise program is practical for people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) who have early lung disease. Fifteen participants did one supervised session and then followed a 3-month home exercise plan. The main goal was to see if pe…

This study tested whether rituximab, a drug used for certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, can reduce joint pain and swelling in people with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) who have arthritis. 22 adults with active joint inflammation took part. Researchers counted tender and …

This study tested a self-management program for people with scleroderma, a chronic disease that can cause pain, fatigue, and skin problems. The program includes educational videos and group video calls led by trained peers. Researchers wanted to see if it helps patients feel more…

This study looked at the experiences of family members who care for someone with systemic sclerosis, a rare and serious autoimmune disease. Researchers surveyed 50 caregivers to understand their physical, mental, and social challenges. The goal is to use this information to creat…

This study looked at 214 people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) to find out how often calcium deposits form under the skin, especially in the hands and feet. Researchers used X-rays to detect these deposits and checked if they were linked to damage in organs like the lungs,…

This study tested a smartphone app called RENEW designed to help people with scleroderma manage fatigue and improve well-being. Researchers wanted to see if people would use the app and find it helpful. 43 adults with scleroderma and moderate to severe fatigue took part. The main…

This study aimed to create a standard tool (called an ICF Core Set) to measure how systemic sclerosis affects patients' daily lives. Researchers worked with 100 patients and experts to identify the most important areas to assess. The goal was to improve how doctors and researcher…

This study followed 56 people with systemic sclerosis who also have a serious lung condition called diffuse infiltrating pneumonia. Researchers measured lung function at 12 and 24 months to see how it changed and to identify factors that might predict worsening. The goal was to b…

This study looked at whether a type of white blood cell called eosinophils plays a role in the scarring (fibrosis) seen in systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Researchers compared blood and tissue samples from 40 patients with systemic sclerosis and 30 healthy volunteers. …

This study looked at 629 adults with different types of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), including those linked to HIV, heart defects, and connective tissue diseases. Researchers tested blood for antibodies that attack blood vessel and lung cells to see if these immune mark…