title: Systemic sclerosis: description and diagnostic role of the oral phenomena.
abstract: This study was designed to describe and evaluate the eventual prodromic role of the orofacial phenomena encountered in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis. Phenomena preceding the diagnosis and events that occured at the onset of systemic sclerosis were considered. Sclerodermic patients were monitored to implement a secondary preventive plan for controlling oral injuries caused by developing systemic sclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontostomatological Science, Oral Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe Alessandro
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Scardina
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Messina
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000209:etiology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008865:Microstomia / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000209:etiology; D020433:Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology