title: Epidemiology and pathogenesis of scleroderma.
abstract: Scleroderma is a heterogenous connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin, with or without internal organ involvement. The aetiology of scleroderma may involve both environmental and genetic factors. Abnormalities involving the immune system, vascular tissue and extracellular matrix have been demonstrated. Recent research has focused on microchimerism as a risk factor for the development of scleroderma. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this disorder.
authors.affiliation: The St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia. kengchen74@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Keng
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: See
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shumack
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology