Scleroderma or Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by the deposition of excess collagen in skin and internal organs due to vasculopathy, immune activation, and fibrosis. It can be classified by extent of skin involvement, autoantibody profile, and pattern of organ involvement. Diffuse cutaneous SSc with organ involvement has a poorer prognosis than limited SSc. Pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiac causes account for the majority of deaths in SSc.
Dr Shefali Khanna Sharma is Additional Professor in Unit of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology , Department of Internal Medicine PGIMER, Chandigarh. Having 13 years of experience as Faculty (in Teaching and Research) at AIIMS, New Delhi (Rheumatology) and PGIMER, Chandigarh.
