Scleroderma Program
Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is a complex disease which results in chronic hardening and tightening of connective tissues, and patients can experience many different symptoms involving different organs. Our multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses with expertise and an interest in scleroderma, including specialists in rheumatology, allergy and clinical immunology, pulmonary and critical care, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and dermatology, provide care for patients.
The team provides coordinated, multidisciplinary, and compassionate care for patients and all the parts of the body scleroderma affects, including the skin, lung, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. We also address functional, nutritional, psychological, gynecological, urological, and/or sexual health challenges. The goal is improved quality of life for our patients.
Our Approach
We strive to ease the burden on patients and their families. Support staff help patients gather outside medical records and coordinate appointments with different specialists at Yale so that patients can get all their relevant medical care in one place. Doctors readily communicate about the plan of care through the electronic health record. We also actively participate in clinical research, to bring the most innovative treatments for the disease to our patients.
Yale has been designated as a Scleroderma Center by the Scleroderma Foundation.
