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Geriatric Rheumatology pp 275–285Cite as

Scleroderma in the Elderly Population

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Abstract

Scleroderma has a median age of onset in the fifth decade of life; however, there are many individuals who develop scleroderma later or who are aging with this disease. It is important that clinicians are able to recognize features of scleroderma in the elderly and distinguish these from well-established imitators. The age of scleroderma onset can impact the course of disease and increase the risk for organ-specific complications such as pulmonary vascular disease. As individuals age with scleroderma, physicians should focus on careful monitoring of each organ system and comprehensive medical care. Treatment principles should be customized to an individual’s disease, and the importance of nutrition, mobility, and social support emphasized.

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  1. Johns Hopkins University, 5200 Eastern Ave, Mason F. Lord Building, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA

    Rebecca L. Manno

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  1. Rebecca L. Manno
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  2. Fredrick M. Wigley
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Correspondence to Rebecca L. Manno .

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  1. Sanford Health Systems, 32nd Ave S 2400, Fargo, 58103, North Dakota, USA

    Yuri Nakasato

  2. , Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Zina Pitcher Place 109, Ann Arbor, 48109, Michigan, USA

    Raymond L. Yung

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Manno, R.L., Wigley, F.M. (2011). Scleroderma in the Elderly Population. In: Nakasato, Y., Yung, R. (eds) Geriatric Rheumatology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5792-4_28

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