The fasciitis-morphea complex in children

J J Miller1

  • 1Lucille Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, Palo Alto, CA 94304.

Insights

Fasciitis and morphea are linked childhood conditions. Steroids help fasciitis, while penicillamine may improve morphea sclerosis but not new lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Dermatology
  • Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

  • This study investigates the combined syndrome of fasciitis and morphea in children.
  • Understanding this rare co-occurrence is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • Six children with fasciitis symptoms were evaluated.
  • Morphea symptoms manifested from 1 year prior to 4 years after fasciitis onset.
  • Fasciitis presented with symmetrical swelling, pain, and contractures; morphea and fasciitis affected different body areas.

Findings:

  • Fasciitis and morphea are interconnected clinical manifestations in pediatric patients.
  • Corticosteroid therapy demonstrated efficacy in treating the fasciitis component.
  • Penicillamine showed potential in ameliorating morphea-related sclerosis, though it did not prevent new lesion development.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of this combined syndrome is vital for effective treatment strategies.
  • Tailored therapeutic approaches are necessary, considering the differential response of fasciitis and morphea to treatments.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize management for children with coexisting fasciitis and morphea.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Fibril-associated Collagen01:11

Fibril-associated Collagen

Fibril-associated collagens are a type of collagens present in the extracellular matrix with interrupted triple helices or FACIT (Fibril-associated collagens interrupted triple-helices). FACIT help connect and attach the collagen fibrils with each other as well as with other proteins of the extracellular matrix.
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Papillary Dermis01:11

Papillary Dermis

Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
Healing II: Complications01:24

Healing II: Complications

Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...