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PubMed · 16936602

Autoimmune connective tissue disease: scleroderma.

Helen Wilson·Rachel Vincent
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Abstract

Scleroderma is an umbrella term for a spectrum of rare and complex autoimmune connective tissue diseases, the cause and pathogenesis of which is only partially defined. Scleroderma can be divided into two main subgroups--systemic and localized--but the hallmark of both is skin fibrosis. As yet no drug has been found to be effective in reversing the disease process, however early intervention has been shown to give maximum benefit. Due to the chronic nature of the condition a multidisciplinary approach is essential and the nurse's input from an early stage is vital in supporting the patient to manage both their medical treatment and their activities of daily living.

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Activities of Daily LivingAdaptation, PsychologicalAutoimmune DiseasesCausalityDiagnosis, DifferentialEarly DiagnosisHumansInformation ServicesInternetNurse's RoleNursing AssessmentPatient Care TeamPatient Education as TopicPrognosisRare DiseasesRaynaud DiseaseScleroderma, LocalizedScleroderma, SystemicSkin CareSocial SupportJournal ArticleReview

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Helen Wilson, Rachel Vincent. Autoimmune connective tissue disease: scleroderma.. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2006.15.15.21685

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