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Favourable outcome in 135 children with juvenile systemic sclerosis: results of a multi-national survey
I Foeldvari1, M Zhavania, N Birdi
1University Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany.
Insights
Juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc) shows a favorable outcome in most childhood-onset cases. Survival rates are significantly better in jSSc patients compared to adults with systemic sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Systemic Sclerosis
Background:
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term outcomes of juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc).
- Understanding prognostic factors is crucial for managing this rare pediatric condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance understanding of the clinical course and outcomes in juvenile systemic sclerosis.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing patient outcomes in jSSc.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was distributed to 324 pediatric rheumatology centers globally.
- Data from 135 patients diagnosed with jSSc were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- At a mean follow-up of 5 years, 90% of patients were fully active in daily life.
- The 4-year survival rate was 95%, with major causes of death including heart and renal failure.
- Disease remained active in 82 patients, while 16 achieved remission.
Conclusions:
- Childhood-onset systemic sclerosis demonstrates a generally favorable outcome.
- Survival in jSSc patients is significantly better than in adult-onset systemic sclerosis.
Objective:
To increase the current knowledge of the outcome of juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc), which is currently limited.
Methods:
In order to investigate the patient outcome and prognostic factors, starting October 1994, we distributed questionnaires to 324 paediatric rheumatology centres.
Results:
Until 15 May 1998 responses from 46 centres were received, 34 of which returned completed questionnaires on a total of 135 patients. One hundred and twenty-two of the 135 patients were Caucasian, 100 were female. The mean age at disease onset was 8.8 yr (S.D. +/- 3.3 yr). The mean disease duration at the last follow-up was 5 yr(S.D. +/- 3.3 yr). At the last follow-up the disease was still active and required medication in 82 patients, 36 had inactive disease on medication, and 16 were in remission. Ninety per cent of the living patients were fully active in daily life at the last follow-up. Eight of the 135 patients had died. These patients had a median age at onset of the disease of 10.5 yr (range 6.7-15.8 yr). The median disease duration until death was 2 yr (range 1-8 yr). The causes of death were heart failure (five), renal failure (one), sepsis (one) and in one case the cause was not defined. The 1 yr survival rate was 99%, the 2 yr was 97% and the 4 yr was 95%.
Conclusions:
At a mean follow-up of 5 yr, the current results show a favourable outcome in most patients with childhood onset jSSc and a significantly better survival than in the adult SSc patients.
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