Scleroderma Foundation eLetter

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Lung CT Densitometry Correlates With Lung Function, Exercise in Systemic Sclerosis

From "Medscape Today," requires free login and password

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Lung density histogram parameters are more reproducible than visual assessment of lung changes in thin-section CT and are more closely related to lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), results of a recent study indicate.

In the Spotlight – National Conference Workshops and Presenters

"Scleroderma: Progress and Hope"

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"Updates in Scleroderma Research and Treatment"

This series will appear weekly until the conference in July.


Friday, April 6, 2007– Issue #188	eLetter Archive

University of Pittsburgh
Systemic Sclerosis Twin Study

Are You a Twin?

Have You or Your Twin Been Diagnosed with Scleroderma?

The University of Pittsburgh needs your help with an important ongoing study examining the role of heredity -vs- environment on the development of systemic sclerosis.

If you would like information on how to participate in this study, please contact the study coordinator (toll free) at 800-603-8960.

Read "A Scleroderma Twin Tale," by Carol Feghali, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh (originally published in "Scleroderma Voice," 2003 #3).

Conference Online Registration Now Available

For the first time, persons wishing to register for the 2007 National Conference (July 20–22, in Philadelphia) may do so online. By clicking on www.scleroderma.org/conference, people can register for the conference with a click of a mouse and making a few keystrokes.

FDA Public Health Advisory: Tegaserod Maleate (Marketed as Zelnorm) Being Taken Off the Market

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this public health advisory to inform patients and health care professionals that the sponsor of Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, has agreed to stop selling Zelnorm.

Hotel Sofitel San Francisco Bay, Redwood City, Calif.

California PH Forum 2007
June 22–24

An educational event for patients, caregivers and medical professionals (CEU's available for nurses). Please see the website www.caphforum.com for program information and registration (deadline is June 15). Space is limited and no registrations will be accepted at the door.

Familial Linear Scleroderma (en coup de sabre) Responsive to Antimalarials and Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy

Abstract
A 32-year-old woman and her 35-year-old sister presented with plaques of scleroderma en coup de sabre.

Flatlining Innovation at NIH

In the five years between 1998 and 2003, research grants by the National Institutes of Health doubled, fueling breakthrough work on the human genome and treatments for many diseases.

Proteo, Inc./Proteo Biotech AG: European Commission Grants Orphan Drug Status to Elafin for the Treatment of PAH

After recommendation by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), Proteo Biotech AG has received orphan drug status from the European Commission for its drug candidate Elafin for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Nascar Race Tomorrow

Richard Johns will be behind the wheel of the No. 25 car for tomorrow's Pepsi 300 in the NASCAR Busch Series in Nashville. The Foundation is an associate sponsor of the No. 25 Ford Fusion. Coverage of the race begins at 3 p.m. on ESPN 2.

Upcoming Events

	April 12 (Thurs.): The NYC Young Professionals Group Meeting (New York, N.Y.)
	April 12–15 (Thurs.–Sun.): Southern Women's Show, Nashville Convention Center (Nashville, Tenn.) Tennessee Chapter will have a booth.
	April 15 (Sun.): Michigan Chapter Patient Education Days (Farmington Hills, Mich.)
	April 16 (Mon.): McDonald's Night to Benefit the Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter (Macomb, Mich.)
	April 19 (Thurs.): Donor Drive For Scleroderma Family Registry & DNA Repository (Bedford, Texas)
	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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