Related Experiment Videos
Advances in palliative care for the patient with scleroderma
1University of Manchester Rheumatic Diseases Centre, Hope Hospital, Salford.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Palliative care for scleroderma focuses on managing symptoms like Raynaud's phenomenon and gut issues. Multidisciplinary teams are key until disease-modifying treatments for systemic sclerosis become available.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Palliative Medicine
- Systemic Sclerosis Management
Background:
- Recent literature on palliative care for scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is limited.
- Scleroderma management currently lacks disease-modifying treatments.
- Palliative strategies are crucial for improving patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in palliative care for systemic sclerosis.
- To highlight key areas of symptom management and treatment.
- To emphasize the role of a multidisciplinary approach.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published within the past year.
- Analysis of contributions in vasodilator preparations for Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Inclusion of comprehensive review papers from a recent textbook on Systemic Sclerosis.
Main Results:
- Progress noted in vasodilator treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Diltiazem shows potential in managing calcinosis.
- Advancements in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysmotility are discussed.
- Comprehensive organ-based management reviews are available.
Conclusions:
- Current systemic sclerosis management is primarily palliative.
- Effective disease-modifying treatments are still under development.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for optimal palliative care in scleroderma patients.