Hope for Juvenile Localized Scleroderma
Zulian F, Martini G, Vallongo C, et al
Arthritis Rheum. 2011;63:1998-2006
Juvenile localized scleroderma can be disfiguring and potentially disabling, especially if it causes joint contractures or limb-length discrepancies. Several classification schemes can be used, but the disorder is generally categorized into subtypes, including circumscribed morphea, generalized morphea, linear sclerodema, or mixed type (which is a combination of 2 or more types). Multiple therapies, such as topical and systemic corticosteroids, phototherapy, topical tacrolimus, calcipotriol, and methotrexate (MTX), have been evaluated, albeit primarily in small, uncontrolled studies. Recent data from small studies suggest that combinations of MTX and corticosteroids may improve the disease; therefore, Zulian and colleagues designed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of MTX plus steroids with steroids alone.
Methotrexate and Prednisone for the Treatment of Juvenile Localized Scleroderma: More Evidence of Potential Success
Zulian F, Martini G, Vallongo C, et al
Arthritis Rheum. 2011;63:1998-2006
Background
Juvenile localized scleroderma can be disfiguring and potentially disabling, especially if it causes joint contractures or limb-length discrepancies. Several classification schemes can be used, but the disorder is generally categorized into subtypes, including circumscribed morphea, generalized morphea, linear sclerodema, or mixed type (which is a combination of 2 or more types). Multiple therapies, such as topical and systemic corticosteroids, phototherapy, topical tacrolimus, calcipotriol, and methotrexate (MTX), have been evaluated, albeit primarily in small, uncontrolled studies. Recent data from small studies suggest that combinations of MTX and corticosteroids may improve the disease; therefore, Zulian and colleagues designed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of MTX plus steroids with steroids alone.
Source...