Scleroderma is caused by the production of high levels of collagen. If only the skin is involved the skin may be discolored, inelastic, dry, thick and tight. The condition is an auto-immune disease and various antibodies may occur that result in systemic disease.

Laboratory tests requested will include ANA, anti-endothelial cell, anti-topisomerase, anti-Pm-Sci, anti-centromere, anti-ThRNP, anti-matrix metalloproteinase, anti-U3 RNP, anti-fibrillin, anti-platelet derived growth factor.

Depending upon which antibodies are present the disease can be systemic and involve various organs including the heart, lungs, kidneys, joints and intestinal tract.

Standard treatment consists of anti-inflammatories and steroids to suppress the antibodies targeting major organs.

We offer a different approach to this condition aiming at restoring the immune system. Patients will receive the following:

1. Autologous stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow or peripheral blood.
2. Mesenchymal stem cells extracted from umbilical cord blood are given intravenously.
3. Anti-TFG beta (anti-transforming growth factor beta) is given i.v. to reduce skin and lung fibrosis; anti-CD19 that lowers antibodies and B cell function; nti-IL-6 that acts against inflammation and fibrosis.

Other agents appear promising and used in severe cases such as activator protein-1 which regulates transforming growth factor-beta ; also anti-fibroblast antibodies and Imatinib that reduces fibroblasts. This can be a serious disease and the approach to use immunotherapy to target the damaging antibodies is in the direction of getting at the cause of the disease.

Call 813.886.6911 now to schedule your appointment or schedule online.