Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
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Learn About Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)

What is the definition of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)?
Systemic sclerosis, also called scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder that cause the skin to tighten and harden. Systemic sclerosis can also affect the blood vessels, digestive tract, and internal organs.
What are the symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)?
Systemic sclerosis can be localized, limited, or spread more widely (diffuse). Symptoms of systemic sclerosis include hardening and tightening of the skin; skin thickening; skin swelling; itchiness; skin discoloration; red spots; calcium deposits under the skin; pale, blue, red, painful, or numb fingers and toes (Raynaud’s syndrome); heartburn; difficulty swallowing; bloating; diarrhea; constipation; fecal incontinence; dizziness; shortness of breath; high blood pressure; pulmonary hypertension; swelling in the legs and feet; irregular heartbeat; and heart failure.
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What are the current treatments for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)?
There is currently no cure for systemic sclerosis. Treatment for systemic sclerosis includes medications such as vasodilators, immunosuppressants, antacids, antibiotics, and pain relievers; physical or occupational therapies; stem cell transplants; and organ transplantation.
Who are the top Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) Local Doctors?
Robyn T. Domsic
Elite in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Rheumatology
Elite in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Rheumatology

UPMC St. Margaret Rheumatology

200 Delafield Road, St Margaret Medical Arts Bldg, Suite 4040, 
Pittsburgh, PA 
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Robyn Domsic, MD, specializes in rheumatology and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She practices at University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and is affiliated with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian, and UPMC Mercy. She completed her medical degree at University of Iowa College of Medicine. Dr. Domsic is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Her top areas of expertise are Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Raynaud Phenomenon, and Scleroma.

Laura Hummers
Elite in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Rheumatology
Elite in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Rheumatology

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Floor 1, Floor 1, 
Baltimore, MD 
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Laura Hummers is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology. She graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. She then pursued her rheumatology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University and has since been on the faculty working at the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center since 2003 where she has been Co-Director of the Center. She received her ScM degree through the Graduate Training Program in Clinical Investigation from the Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2010. Dr. Hummers also serves as Clinical Director for the Division of Rheumatology. Dr. Hummers actively participates in a number of clinical trials and clinical investigations at the Scleroderma Center and has a particular interest in predictors of outcomes in scleroderma. She actively manages a large patient practice focused exclusively on scleroderma and related conditions at Johns Hopkins and actively helps to manage the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center longitudinal database. She also has specific expertise in other scleroderma-like conditions such as scleromyxedema, scleredema and eosinophilic fasciitis. Dr. Hummers is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Her top areas of expertise are Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Eosinophilic Fasciitis, and Scleroma.

 
 
 
 
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Robert A. Lafyatis
Elite in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
Elite in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)

UPMC Arthritis And Autoimmunity Center

3601 5th Avenue, Suite 2B, 
Pittsburgh, PA 
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Robert Lafyatis, MD, is a rheumatologist and is certified in rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is  the Thomas Medsger Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from University of Cincinnati and completed his residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine, followed by his fellowship at National Institutes of Health.Dr. Lafyatis’s clinical interests include systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and its complications in the skin and lungs. His research interests include understanding the underlying cause of scleroderma and finding new treatments. Dr. Lafyatis directs the University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Scleroderma Center and the National Institutes of Health, Center for Scleroderma Research Translation.  He has over 200 peer-reviewed publications and co-authors the Textbook of Rheumatology chapter on Scleroderma Pathogenesis. Dr. Lafyatis is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). His top areas of expertise are Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Scleroderma, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Scleroma, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

What are the latest Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) Clinical Trials?
A Study on the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of MTS109 Injection in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Refractory Autoimmune Diseases, an Investigator-Initiated Trial

Summary: This is the first-in-human trial of MTS109 (mRNA-LNP). The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety, tolerability of intravenous injection of MTS109 in moderate to severe autoimmune diseases.

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A Phase 2 Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of MTX-474 in the Treatment of Participants With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc)

Summary: A Phase 2 Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Efficacy of MTX-474 in Participants with Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc)