Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Using a 1064-nm Picosecond Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Periorbital Hyperpigmentation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Clinical features and treatment of morphea patients: a retrospective analysis
Abstract:
Morphea is a rare inflammatory disease affecting the skin and connective tissue leading to sclerosis and atrophy. To analyse a cohort of adult patients suffering from morphea regarding demographics and clinical subtype. The medical records of patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with morphea (L94.0 to L94.1) who presented at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin between 2017 and 2023 were assessed (n=479). Most patients were female (n=390; 81%), aged between 60 and 69 years (n=101; 21%). Unspecified morphea (n=232; 48%) was most commonly coded as multilocular morphea in 149 cases and linear morphea in 29 cases. The most frequently reported comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism. Autoimmune diseases, such as genital lichen sclerosus, Sjögren's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, were also not infrequent. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) assessment was available for 105/128 patients; 56/105 patients had a positive ANA titre (at least 1:80). Overall, 68/128 patients were treated topically, while 47/128 patients received systemic treatment. Twelve patients were treated with two or more systemic therapies. Topical corticosteroids and methotrexate were most commonly used. Mild side effects occurred only in methotrexate-treated patients (n=6). Morphea is a heterogeneous clinical disease requiring individualised treatment depending on subtype and localisation. Defined severity criteria and standardised assessment tools are needed to identify patients who require systemic treatment and ensure that treatment efficacy is comparable among patients.
Insights
Morphea, a rare skin disease, predominantly affects older women and presents with varied subtypes. Treatment is individualized, with topical corticosteroids and methotrexate being common, but standardized tools are needed for systemic therapy decisions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Morphea is a rare inflammatory condition causing skin sclerosis and atrophy.
- It affects connective tissues and can lead to significant morbidity.
- Understanding adult morphea patient demographics and clinical characteristics is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a cohort of adult morphea patients.
- To investigate demographics, clinical subtypes, and comorbidities.
- To evaluate treatment patterns and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records (2017-2023) of 479 adult morphea patients.
- Data collection on demographics, clinical subtypes (L94.0-L94.1), comorbidities, and treatments.
- Review of antinuclear antibody (ANA) status and treatment side effects.
Main Results:
- The cohort comprised 81% females, with a peak age group of 60-69 years.
- Unspecified morphea was most common (48%), often multilocular or linear.
- Hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune diseases were frequent comorbidities; 53% of tested patients had positive ANA titers.
Conclusions:
- Morphea is a heterogeneous disease requiring personalized treatment based on subtype and location.
- Topical corticosteroids and methotrexate are common treatments, with mild side effects noted with methotrexate.
- Standardized assessment tools are needed to guide systemic therapy and compare treatment efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...