How do you approach symptom control in a patient with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and rapidly progressive skin disease?
Relatively newly diagnosed RNA Pol 3+ dcSSc with rapidly progressive skin involvement now on methotrexate 20mg/week and tocilizumab for concurrent inflammatory arthritis, but with significant discomfort and pain due to ongoing skin tightening which has been refractory to topical emollients and pain control with tramadol.
1 Answer
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Rheumatology · Mayo Clinic
Answered on
This patient clearly seems to be on the uphill trajectory for skin involvement in RNA Pol III+ dcSSc which can progress quite rapidly over 6-12 months. Pain, burning, tightness and pruritus are quite intense during this period, and can be very difficult to treat. It does improve somewhat with time, ...
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