title: [Systemic sclerosis. A diagnostic and follow-up program].
abstract: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a rare chronic progressive multiorgan disease characterized by elevated collagen content in affected organs. The condition is classified in the group connective tissue diseases, and appears in both a systemic and a limited form. The rate of progression and the prognosis differ for the two forms. The heterogeneity of the disease makes systematic examination of the patients necessary in order to provide a correct diagnosis and classification as a basis for therapy and prognosis. Based on the low incidence and prevalence of the disease, the care of these patients should be a specialist task. At our department, a programme has been introduced consisting of clinical examination, immunological and biochemical analysis, histological examination and different imaging techniques, and with an interdisciplinary approach. This programme has made the management of these patients more standardized.
authors.affiliation: Revmatologisk avdeling, Regionsykehuset i Trondheim.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rødevand
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Skomsvoll
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ostensen
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy