title: [Systemic sclerosis--pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment].
abstract: Diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease of unknown cause characterized by diffuse fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin and internal organs. Pathogenesis of SSc involves immunologic mechanisms, vascular damage and activation of fibroblasts. SSc varies in severity and progression; most patients eventually develop visceral complications, which are the usual causes of death. No drug significantly influences the natural history of SSc overall, but various drugs are of value in treating specific symptoms or organ systems. This review discusses pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and possible treatment of SSc.
authors.affiliation: Klinika za unutarnje bolesti, Kliniki bolnicki centar Split. mislavradic@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mislav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radić
authors.forename: Dusanka Martinović
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kaliterna
authors.forename: Damir
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fabijanić
authors.forename: Josipa
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Radić
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy