| Localized Scleroderma: Morphea | |
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| Generalized Morphea Scleroderma |
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| Overview of Generalized Morphea |
| Generalized morphea is a form of localized scleroderma. When morphea skin plaques are very widespread, it is referred to as generalized morphea. The skin patches become very hard and dark and spread over large areas of the body. Underlying muscles are often affected, causing them to tighten and atrophy. |
| Symptoms of Generalized Morphea |
| Symptoms of generalized morphea are widespread morphea lesions over large areas of the body, which may sometimes cause limb contractures and atrophy. |
| Antiphospholipid Syndrome Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic leg ulcers, recurrent miscarriages, headache, heart attacks, renal vein and artery thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. It is identified by the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies, in a blood test. The same antibodies have been associated with generalized morphea scleroderma. ISN. |
| Photos of Generalized Morphea |
| Photo of Generalized Morphea. (See Picture 2) This photograph shows generalized morphea on the trunk of a patient (reproduced with permission from Mayo Clinic Proceedings, from Peterson, LS et al). eMedicine. |
| Diagnosis of Generalized Morphea |
| Diagnosis of morphea is often confirmed with a skin biopsy, which is usually performed by a dermatologist. Morphea is usually diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. |
| Unilateral generalized morphea (UGM) is a rare variant of localized scleroderma. As the onset of UGM usually occurs in pediatric patients, pediatricians should be cognizant of the presentation of this uncommon condition. PubMed. Eur J Med Res. 2006 Apr 28;11(4):152-6. (Also see: Localized Scleroderma: Linear and Juvenile Scleroderma) |
| Novel Autoantibody to Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase in Patients with Localized Scleroderma. IgG or IgM anti-Cu/Zn SOD antibody was detected in the serum of 89% of localized scleroderma patients, especially 100% of patients with generalized morphea, the severest form of localized scleroderma, but was positive only in the serum of less than 15% of patients with other autoimmune disorders, including systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and autoimmune bullous disorders. Minoru Hasegawa. 1687/510. ACR 2004. (Also see: Localized Scleroderma and Antibodies) |
| Treatments for Generalized Morphea |
| Unilateral generalized morphea (UMG) is a rare variant of localized scleroderma. Treatment with combined low-dose methotrexate and pulsed high-dose corticosteroid therapy might represent a promising treatment option for UGM. (PubMed) Eur J Med Res. 2006 Apr 28;11(4):152-6. |
| Causes of Generalized Morphea |
| The causes of generalized morphea, morphea scleroderma, and systemic scleroderma are largely unknown, although sometimes they are known to be caused by environmental toxins, genetics, or medications, etc. (Also see: Causes of Morphea and Causes of Systemic Scleroderma.) |
| Personal Stories of Generalized Morphea |
| Ang: Morphea and Fibromyalgia I was diagnosed with morphea in February 2002, but had this for a year prior to that without knowing exactly what the diagnosis was... |
| Katie: Morphea I developed morphea on my lower abdomen around the time I was twelve years old... |
| Kristy C: Generalized Morphea The only place where I do not have any morphea is my face, which I am very thankful for... |
| Maggie M: Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus and Generalized Morphea I had to seek medical help when I realized that it was spreading and getting considerably worse... |
| Patti: Generalized Morphea I have patches all over my body, including my hands and feet and something brewing on my face... |
| Tami: Morphea Scleroderma I have gotten used to the stares everyone casts my way because in their eyes I am different. Unique, I guess... |
| Each of the Voices of Scleroderma books includes an entire chapter of morphea scleroderma personal stories, as well as articles by leading scleroderma experts. |
