Scleroderma

The UCSF Scleroderma Clinic offers compassionate, comprehensive care for patients with scleroderma (also called systemic sclerosis), mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren's disease and inflammatory myositis. Our program brings together experts from relevant specialties, including rheumatology, dermatology and plastic surgery, to diagnose and treat the many types of rheumatic disorders.

We collaborate closely with colleagues in many other UCSF clinics and programs, such as those focused on interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, dermatology, gastrointestinal motility disorders, kidney disease and hand surgery. This team approach means we can address the full scope of our patients' needs.

UCSF researchers are national leaders in advancing scientific understanding of the causes of scleroderma, fibrosis and immune system dysfunction. Our team leads one of the nation's largest epidemiological studies looking at genetic factors involved in several autoimmune diseases. As part of the study, our team is partnering with immunology researchers at UCSF to gain new insights into the causes of the disease and develop new therapies.

Why choose the UCSF Scleroderma Clinic?

In addition to providing ongoing care from doctors with expertise in scleroderma, we can connect you with an array of other programs and services you may need. These include:

• The UCSF Lung Transplant Program – the only program on the West Coast that manages scleroderma patients with severe pulmonary disease requiring lung transplant.
• Epoprostenol infusions to manage critical ischemia (lack of blood supply) from Raynaud's phenomenon – UCSF is the only Northern California hospital that offers this digit-saving outpatient treatment.
• UCSF Gastroenterology – comprehensive management of severe motility disease, including customized nutritional support.