Scleroderma – The disease:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a rare and complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Like many other autoimmune diseases, it also predominantly affects females in the age group of 30 to 50yrs. The prevalence rate of this disease is around 5/100,000 with an incidence of 1/100,000. The etiology is unknown and might be caused by the abnormal immune response. The diseases can bring about changes in the skin, blood vessels, internal organs, and muscles. The chief pathological events involved in its pathogenesis are mainly endothelial damage, fibrosis, and autoimmune dysregulation.

SSc can be classified into different types based on various criteria like the involvement of organs and the presence of autoantibodies. These autoantibodies are disease-specific and usually mutually exclusive and correlate with the extent of skin involvement and associated disease manifestations. The main autoantibodies include anti-SCL 70 (DNA topoisomerase) and anti-centromere antibodies (CENP A and/or B protein).

SSc is divided into diffuse and limited forms based on cutaneous distribution. In the limited form, skin involvement is limited to the distal extremities, while in the diffuse form, the symptoms are diffusely distributed over the trunk, proximal and distal extremities, and the face. The CREST syndrome, with Calcinosis, Raynaud’s syndrome, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasias is a special form of SSc. Currently, lung involvement is the most common cause of death in these patients.

Everlife CPC’s Offering:

EUROLINE Systemic sclerosis profile is the first membrane-based test system that contains a wide range of SSc-associated antigens. This test allows differentiation of nucleoli antigens observed using the Indirect Immunofluorescence method. The exceptional sensitivity and specificity of the test system allow comprehensive differentiation of SSc-associated antigens with extreme accuracy.

Benefits of EUROLINE SSc profile:

• Multiplex approach for confirmation and differentiation of Nucleoli patterns.
• The comprehensive spectrum of SSc-associated antigens in one test kit ensures the highest possible detection rate.
• Automation through PlexMAT and EUROBlotOne
•  Easy Manual analysis.

The advent of effective biomarkers can guide clinical diagnosis and result in the better management of this rare difficult disease.

Dr.Sunitha Shaibu
Group Product Manager
CPC Diagnostics Pvt Ltd