Scleroderma Foundation eLetter

Archive

Pulmonary Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis

by Kevin Brown, M.D.(originally published in "Rheumatology News," Volume 5, Issue 12, Page 22, December 2006)

Pulmonary complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis or systemic scleroderma.

The Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository Needs Your Help

Dear Friend of the Scleroderma Foundation:

On behalf of Maureen Mayes M.D., MPH, I invite you to register and become members of the Scleroderma Family Registry & DNA Repository.


Friday, February 2, 2007– Issue #179	eLetter Archive

Topical Nitroglycerin Gel Shows Promise as Treatment Advance for Raynaud's

by Cheryl Guttman
"Dermatology Times"

Washington – Results of a phase 3a laboratory study suggest that a novel topical nitroglycerin (NTG) gel (Vascana, MediQuest Therapeutics) has exciting potential as a safe and effective treatment alternative for patients with Raynaud's phenomenon, said Laura K. Hummers, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology here.

First 100 by $1,000 Event Is 10 Days Away

The event is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12, at the Palm Valley Club in Palm Desert, California. Bobbi Salmon, an LPGA teaching professional and pro golfer, and a scleroderma patient will attend the event. She is responsible for the concept of the 100 by $1,000 with the goal to raise $1,000 or more at each of the 100 golf events across the country.

Running On ... Hope and Resilience!
by Rosalind Joffe, M. Ed.

My friend, Trisha, and I were catching up over coffee. She told me that she’s been running on empty – the warning lights are on. Trisha has been going full throttle for the past year, putting all her efforts into building her business. She said that she knows that she’s running out of gas and that it could become a problem.

Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare vascular complication of systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early symptoms of PAH, typically mild and protean, include exertional dyspnea and fatigue. However, signs of right heart failure, such as edema and ascites, hepatic congestion, and progressive hypoxemia, develop as the disease progresses. (May require free registration to MedscapeToday.com.)

Upcoming Events

	February 11 (Sun.): Southeast Florida Chapter's Theater Event (Boca Raton, Fla.)
	February 11 (Sun.): Michigan Chapter Patient Education Days (Farmington Hills, Mich.)
	July 20–22 (Fri.–Sun.): Scleroderma Foundation's National Conference (Philadelphia, Penn.)
SF Calendar

Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923
Phone 978-463-5843 · 800-722-HOPE (4673)

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