More than 300,000 Americans suffer from scleroderma, a progressive autoimmune disease that predominantly affects young women. Scleroderma leads to stiffening and scarring of the skin, lungs, blood vessels, and other organs. The Northwestern Scleroderma Program is a comprehensive clinical-research program dedicated to providing exceptional care for people with scleroderma while pursuing research toward a cure. Dedicated physicians, health care professionals, and researchers work together to improve the lives of people with scleroderma. The Northwestern Scleroderma Program is unique in combining comprehensive compassionate scleroderma care with cutting-edge discovery research.
|  |
A Clinical Program Dedicated to SclerodermaLocated in downtown Chicago, the Northwestern Scleroderma Program is one of only a handful of centers that specialize in this disease. Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art patient care, conduct research toward a cure, and increase awareness about scleroderma. We serve patients from throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the rest of the United States. Multidisciplinary Team ApproachSince scleroderma affects many organs in the body, optimal patient care requires the coordinated efforts of experienced specialists. At Northwestern, physicians from a wide variety of specialties work as a team to ensure that patients receive comprehensive evaluation and management. Individualized CarePeople diagnosed with scleroderma experience the disease very differently. At Northwestern, patients receive individualized treatment that is tailored to their unique needs. Ancillary services, including physical and occupational therapy, nutrition, and clinical psychology are incorporated into the overall management plan. Participation in Scleroderma ResearchPatient participation in research studies at the Northwestern Scleroderma Program contributes to our growing knowledge about scleroderma. Our primary research focus is the discovery, development, and evaluation of safe and effective treatments. Research studies are currently examining ways to determine disease prognosis and severity, to predict and monitor response to therapy, to identify and understand how fibrosis and scarring occurs, and to learn about outcomes. Access to Clinical Trials for New TreatmentsOngoing clinical research trials examine the safety and efficacy of medicines to treat scleroderma. Recently, clinical trials have focused on the treatment of complications related to skin fibrosis, lung disease, digital ulcers, and Raynaud's Phenomenon. Patient Education
Annual patient education seminars provide the opportunity to learn about recommendations for managing scleroderma and to hear about the latest research and treatments from scleroderma experts. The seminars also foster connections among patients and their families, leading to the formation of supportive networks. "Scleroderma 101," an informational small group forum, is specifically designed for newly-diagnosed patients and their families. |
