title: Clinical features of childhood localized scleroderma in an incidence cohort.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our aim was to describe clinical features and pattern of care in children with localized scleroderma presenting to secondary care during a 25-month incidence study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-seven patients were identified, and clinical features, serum autoantibodies, current treatment and outcome at 12 months were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight (67%) had linear scleroderma, 25 (29%) non-linear morphoea and 4 (4%) a mixed pattern. Of the 58 patients with linear scleroderma, 29 (50%) presented with lesions of the trunk and/or limbs only, 26 (45%) with face-head localization only and 3 (5%) with both. Thirteen (15%) had extracutaneous features and 16 (43%) out of 37 were ANA positive. At 12 months, 59% were on MTX. At 12 months, 51 (65%) were improved/resolved, 14 (18%) were unchanged and 13 (17%) had deteriorated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Key findings included the high prevalence of face-head involvement in those with linear disease, and the high prevalence of extracutaneous disease and of ANA positivity. After 12 months, most patients improved according to clinician's opinion.
authors: Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. ariane.herrick@manchester.ac.uk
authors: Ariane L
authors: AL
authors: Herrick
authors: Holly
authors: H
authors: Ennis
authors: Monica
authors: M
authors: Bhushan
authors: Alan J
authors: AJ
authors: Silman
authors: Eileen M
authors: EM
authors: Baildam
mesh_terms: D001415:Back; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005121:Extremities; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate