title: Autoimmune connective tissue disease: scleroderma.
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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, London.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015984:Causality; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D035583:Rare Diseases; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D017592:Skin Care; D012944:Social Support