Early Detection Of Scleroderma Improves Quality Of Life.

Business Editors

BYFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2004

June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month, and this year, people across the country will be "stepping out" to raise awareness of this little-known, yet devastating, autoimmune disease.

In an effort to increase community awareness, the Scleroderma Foundation will champion a nationwide walk campaign. The theme of this year's campaign is "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma." Throughout 2004, local chapters of the Scleroderma Foundation will be hosting walk events across the country to raise awareness of scleroderma and funds for research.

"Scleroderma truly is a devastating disease," said Donna Kohli, President and CEO of the Scleroderma Foundation. "Early detection and treatment is a key to improving the quality and length of life of sufferers. Raising awareness of scleroderma and its symptoms certainly increases the chances of early diagnosis. At the Scleroderma Foundation, we are working to do that, not just in June, but 365 days a year."

An estimated 300,000 Americans - four out of five of whom are women - suffer from scleroderma, a disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, causing an overproduction of collagen. As a result, many experience hardening of the skin and damage to internal organs including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys and heart. Blood vessels, muscles and joints may also be affected. It is a disease that impacts not only a patient's physical and functional abilities but also their professional, social and emotional lives. In its most serious forms, scleroderma can be life threatening. The cause of scleroderma is unknown, and currently, there is no cure.

Although some of the symptoms of scleroderma are easily visible, others are not - and often, patients go for years without being properly diagnosed. Diagnosis in the early stages of the disease may be especially difficult because many of the symptoms are common to other diseases.

Anyone experiencing at least four of the following symptoms should see a doctor about the possibility of having scleroderma:

-- Thickening of the skin

-- Shortness of breath 

-- Trouble swallowing

-- Swelling of the hands

-- Pain in the joints or bones

-- Sensitivity to the cold causing color change and pain to

fingertips and/or toes

-- Fatigue

Scleroderma typically occurs between the ages of 25 and 55 and can be classified into two basic types: systemic scleroderma and localized scleroderma. Systemic scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, causes damage to two main areas: small blood vessels and collagen-producing cells in the skin and throughout the body. As a result internal organs may be affected and many with systemic scleroderma are sensitive to cold and some experience a color change in their fingers or toes upon cold exposure or stress known as Raynaud Phenomenon. Systemic scleroderma can be classified into two forms, depending on the degree of skin involvement: limited scleroderma - often referred to as CREST - and diffuse scleroderma.

Localized scleroderma differs from systemic scleroderma in that the affected tissue is restricted to just the skin and underlying tissue. If this occurs over a joint, mobility can be significantly impaired and bone growth can be affected. Localized scleroderma does not affect internal organs but can cause deformity and mobility issues that significantly impacts quality of life. Localized scleroderma is more common in children.

About the Scleroderma Foundation

The Scleroderma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization serving the interests of persons with scleroderma. The Foundation's 25 chapters and 150 support groups nationwide help to carry out its three-fold mission of support, education, and research. The Scleroderma Foundation is the leading nonprofit supporter of scleroderma research - funding over $1 million of new grants each year to find the cause and cure of scleroderma. Web site: www.scleroderma.org. Toll-free number: 800-722-HOPE.

For more information about the Scleroderma Foundation walk nearest you, visit www.scleroderma.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A representative from the Scleroderma Foundation and a patient with scleroderma are available for interview. Please contact Kara Slater at 212.508.9647 or [e-mail].