Hailey Tran
Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and internal organs, and can lead to thickening or fibrosis. While there is currently no cure for scleroderma, early diagnosis is important to slow down the disease's progression and improve symptoms. The National Scleroderma Foundation has established criteria for designating medical institutions as scleroderma research and treatment centers, with recognized centers including Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Center, NYU Langone Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. These centers offer specialized care, conduct research, and provide educational activities to advance the understanding and treatment of scleroderma.
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What You'll Learn
Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program
The Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program provides expert, state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary care for scleroderma patients. Led by Flavia Castelino, MD, the program is based in the Yawkey Building on the Mass General main campus and delivers specialised treatment and evaluation of patients with scleroderma and related fibrosing conditions.
The program is committed to improving patient care by developing better diagnostic and treatment options. It also performs innovative research to advance understanding of what causes scleroderma and how it can be treated. As part of an elite teaching hospital, the Rheumatology Unit offers a fellowship program affiliated with Harvard Medical School, providing physicians with experience in the clinical aspects of scleroderma.
Rheumatologists at the Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program specialize in treating systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, and its two main subtypes: limited and diffuse scleroderma. They work to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, which may include immunosuppressive medicines, physical therapy, and other medications to treat specific symptoms such as pulmonary hypertension, lung disease, and heartburn.
The hospital's Dermatology-Rheumatology Connective Tissue Disease Program provides comprehensive care for patients with autoimmune skin and joint diseases, including scleroderma. The Pulmonary Hypertension and Thromboendarterectomy Program is also committed to the state-of-the-art evaluation, treatment, and support of patients with all forms of pulmonary hypertension, a common symptom of scleroderma.
The Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program is at the forefront of research and clinical advances, keeping health care professionals up to date with the latest developments in scleroderma treatment.
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Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Center
MedStar is home to physicians who are fellowship-trained and are renowned nationally and internationally for their expertise and innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The hospital was the first in Washington, D.C., to receive Magnet® recognition for demonstrating excellence in nursing care.
The hospital is easily accessible by public transportation or by car and offers two parking garages for patients and visitors, as well as limited valet parking and wheelchair assistance.
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NYU Langone Health
Scleroderma is typically diagnosed and treated by rheumatologists, but because it is a rare and complex disease, there are only a few dozen scleroderma specialists in the United States. Expert care is crucial for proper screening, diagnosis, patient education, clinical trials, and treatment. NYU Langone's doctors can be browsed online, and appointments can be scheduled through the website.
NYU Langone Rheumatology Associates has a trifold mission to serve, teach, and discover. This mission is achieved daily through an integrated academic culture devoted to excellence in patient care, education, and research. Major diagnostic and therapeutic advances over the last two decades have greatly improved the outlook for patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, lupus, myositis, and scleroderma.
While there is currently no known cure for scleroderma, early diagnosis is important to help slow down the disease's progression, improve symptoms, and monitor for other organ involvement. Treatment options include blood pressure medications, immunosuppressant medications, and lung transplant surgery for people with pulmonary hypertension or interstitial lung disease.
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Rheumatology specialists
The Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program, led by Flavia Castelino, MD, offers state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care. The program conducts research to enhance understanding and develop new treatments for scleroderma and related fibrosing conditions. MGH rheumatologists specialize in treating systemic sclerosis, providing medications and occupational and physical therapy to promote joint mobility and muscle strength. They also coordinate care with other specialists, such as pulmonologists, to ensure a comprehensive approach.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center is another leading clinical and research center for rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma. Its rheumatologists develop tailored treatment plans for patients, which may include blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and referrals to other specialists as needed.
The National Scleroderma Foundation also lists several rheumatology specialists across the country who are dedicated to clinical time for scleroderma patients and are involved in clinical trials and research. These specialists include, but are not limited to, Dr. Ashima Makol, Dr. Alicia Hinze, and Dr. Elena Joerns.
Additionally, the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Center in Washington, DC, is involved in treating scleroderma patients and has various consultants, including Dr. Christine Fleury (pulmonary) and Dr. Angelica Nocerino (gastroenterology).
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Scleroderma Research and Treatment Centers
The National Scleroderma Foundation provides a list of treatment centres for individuals living with scleroderma. The foundation's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board has established criteria for medical institutions to be designated as scleroderma research and treatment centres. These centres must demonstrate expertise in caring for scleroderma patients, conduct research, and engage in educational activities about the disease.
The Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center is one such centre dedicated to scleroderma research and treatment. They provide information on making appointments and supporting scleroderma research.
The Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program delivers state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care for scleroderma patients and related fibrosing conditions. Led by Flavia Castelino, MD, the program specialises in the evaluation and treatment of patients with scleroderma and related conditions. They aim to improve patient care by developing better diagnostic and treatment options and conducting innovative research to enhance understanding of the disease.
The Rheumatology Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center is another leading clinical and research centre for rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma. Their experts provide compassionate care and the latest medical resources for accurate diagnostics and effective treatments. UT Southwestern rheumatologists develop tailored treatment plans for each patient, which may include blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and lung transplant surgery for pulmonary hypertension or interstitial lung disease.
Additionally, the Scleroderma Research Foundation collaborates and co-hosts free online webinars to provide information and support for individuals living with scleroderma. They also offer access to external resources and studies, such as the 23andMe Systemic Sclerosis Research Study.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of some of the best hospitals to treat scleroderma:
- Massachusetts General Hospital Scleroderma Program
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Center
- NYU Langone Health
- UT Southwestern Medical Center
The National Scleroderma Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board has established the following criteria:
- Expertise in the care of individuals with scleroderma
- Conducting scleroderma research (clinical and/or observational and/or laboratory-based)
- Conducting educational activities about scleroderma and providing information about advances in care and treatment to health care professionals and the public
Although there is currently no cure for scleroderma, early diagnosis is important to help slow down the disease's progression and monitor for other organ involvement. Treatment options include:
- Medications that treat specific symptoms of scleroderma, such as pulmonary hypertension, lung disease, heartburn, or Raynaud's phenomenon
- Occupational and physical therapy to promote joint mobility and muscle strength
- Lung transplant surgery for people with pulmonary hypertension or interstitial lung disease
- Blood pressure medications that dilate blood vessels
- Immunosuppressant medications to reduce the strength of the immune system
