Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

Overview

4.4 out of 5 (9 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Pharmacology Credits

0.5

Post Assessment Questions

9

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

5 Apr 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disorder with an unknown and complex pathogenesis. Scleroderma can be divided into 2 primary forms—localized scleroderma (including morphea, linear scleroderma, and scleroderma en coup de sabre) and systemic sclerosis. Systemic sclerosis can be further classified as limited systemic sclerosis (formerly known as CREST syndrome, characterized by calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) or diffuse systemic sclerosis based on clinical and serological criteria. Localized scleroderma primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue, whereas systemic sclerosis is associated with systemic manifestations and internal organ involvement, leading to increased mortality. The manifestations of scleroderma may overlap extensively with those of other rheumatological or immunological diseases. The severity of the presentation may also vary depending on the timing of the systemic sclerosis diagnosis.

Systemic sclerosis affects multiple organ systems, necessitating a collaborative healthcare team involving primary care clinicians, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, and dermatologists to address the condition. Effective management of systemic sclerosis requires early diagnosis and ongoing disease progression monitoring. Although a definitive cure does not exist for systemic sclerosis, treatment primarily focuses on managing affected organs and alleviating symptoms to prevent further organ damage in individuals with systemic sclerosis. This activity addresses the presentation, evaluation, and management of systemic sclerosis and examines the role of an interprofessional healthcare team in caring for affected patients. This activity helps participating clinicians differentiate this tissue disorder from related rheumatological diseases.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify early clinical manifestations and risk factors associated with systemic sclerosis to facilitate prompt diagnosis and intervention.

  • Implement regular screening protocols for systemic sclerosis complications, including pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, and renal function assessments.

  • Apply evidence-based treatment strategies for systemic sclerosis, considering a patient's clinical presentation, severity, and comorbidities.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare team members to coordinate care, optimize treatment outcomes, and address the holistic needs of patients with systemic sclerosis.

  • Outline the pharmacologic therapy as it applies to Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Kelly V. on 4/13/2021

Nicolas P. on 8/10/2021

Good learning points

Viji N. on 8/29/2022

Matthew N. on 4/14/2023

Kathleen on 10/19/2023

NISHA N. on 3/7/2024

camille j. on 1/9/2024

Katherine L. on 3/5/2024

Zhengyi C. on 3/10/2024

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