Dr. Lee Juny-chai – Is there any relationship between systemic scleroderma and muscle wasting?

1. Introduction to systemic scleroderma

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin sclerosis, internal organ involvement, and immune system abnormalities. The etiology of the disease is not fully understood, but studies suggest that genetic, environmental, and immune disorders may be associated with its pathogenesis. At present, there is no radical cure, and treatment is mainly based on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

2. Overview of muscle atrophy

Muscle wasting is the loss of muscle tissue volume, resulting in reduced strength and limited motor function. Muscle wasting can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as neurological disorders, muscle diseases, endocrine disorders, etc. Clinically, muscle wasting is often closely associated with motor neuron damage and neuromuscular junction disorders.

Third, the relationship between systemic scleroderma and muscle atrophy

In recent years, more and more studies have found that muscle wasting may occur in patients with systemic scleroderma. This is mainly due to involvement of internal organs, particularly the kidneys, due to systemic scleroderma, which can lead to renal insufficiency. Renal insufficiency affects protein synthesis, which in turn affects the normal growth and repair of muscles, leading to muscle atrophy. In addition, patients with systemic scleroderma may have immune disorders that lead to an increased inflammatory response and may also indirectly affect muscle tissue.

4. Clinical observation and case division

In actual clinical work, we have found that some patients with systemic scleroderma do have muscle atrophy. For example, a 40-year-old woman presents with stiff joints and thickened skin in her hands. Upon examination, she was found to have renal insufficiency and some degree of muscle atrophy. In response to this situation, a series of measures are taken, such as controlling the development of the disease, improving kidney function, increasing protein intake, etc., to slow down the process of muscle atrophy.

V. Conclusion

There is an association between systemic scleroderma and muscle wasting. Patients with systemic scleroderma may experience muscle wasting, which may be related to renal insufficiency and immune disorders. Therefore, in the treatment of systemic scleroderma, in addition to skin lesions and internal organ involvement, attention should also be paid to the patient's muscle condition, in order to achieve a better treatment effect.