Is scleroderma hereditary?

scleroderma is harding of the skin

There is no clear obvious cause for scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Genetic predisposition appears to be limited: genetic concordance is small; still, there often is a familial predisposition for autoimmune disease. Polymorphisms in COL1A2 and TGF-尾1 may influence severity and development of the disease. There is limited evidence implicating cytomegalovirus (CMV) as the original epitope of the immune reaction, and organic solvents and other chemical agents have been linked with scleroderma.

One of the suspected mechanisms behind the autoimmune phenomenon is the existence of microchimerism, i.e. fetal cells circulating in maternal blood, triggering an immune reaction to what is perceived as "foreign" material.

A distinct form of scleroderma and systemic sclerosis may develop in patients with chronic renal failure. This entity, nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, has been linked to the exposure to gadolinium-containing radiocontrast.

Bleomycin (a chemotherapeutic agent) and possibly taxane chemotherapy may cause scleroderma, and occupational exposure to solvents has been linked with an increased risk of systemic sclerosis.

Tags

　　Seizures 　　Secondhand Smoke 　　Second Opinion 　　Seasonal Affective Disorder 　　Seasickness 　　Scoliosis 　　Scleroderma 　　SCID 　　Sciatica 　　School Health 　　Schizophrenia 　　Scars 　　Scarlet Fever

Related information

Is scleroderma a type of artritis?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Scleroderma is chara...

Scleroderma, anyone out there had a family member die from it?

I didn't have a family member die from it, but a very good friend. It is a horrible disease that my friend had for about the same time your mom did - 13 years. She died last summer from compli...

Scleroderma patient's request?

Google Scleroderma and you will find loads of sites that may be of help. ...

Scleroderma disease?

There is evidence that there may be a gentic predisposition to this disease. The cause of scleroderma is not known. "Researchers have found some evidence that genes are important factors, but ...

Can someone with scleroderma of the lungs, get a lung transplant?

The short answer to your question is "yes" they can. However, there are specific conditions that they must meet in order to qualify for the transplant. The following are links to sites ...

My mother has scleroderma and her arm have turned dark and are very itchy. Why is that?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease. It hardens the body, including the skin. The areas on her arms are hardening and have reduced blood flow in them. This is why they appear darker and are it...

How can you stop the itchiness from a disease called scleroderma?

Thats an awful disease, I really feel for you guys. I've looked after some people with that and I wouldnt wish it on anyone. I personally dont know of anything but I found a site. If you conta...

With the proper treatment, can you live through scleroderma?

Ms. Jollie: Yes, should you develop this disease, you will may survive with proper treatment. There are several forms of Scleroderma, some more aggressive than others. My second wife died of Scler...