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Guideline [Organ-specific diagnosis in patients with systemic sclerosis: Recommendations of the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis (DNSS)] 2008
Hunzelmann N, Genth E, Krieg T, Meurer M, Melchers I, Moinzadeh P, Pfeiffer C, Riemekasten G, Schulze-Lohoff E, Sunderkoetter C, Müller-Ladner U, Anonymous00049. · Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, 50924 Köln, Deutschland. · Z Rheumatol. · Pubmed #18418613 No free full text.
Abstract: The diagnosis and therapy of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is demanding due to its nature as a multisystem disease and its chronic, severe course. To date, there are no generally accepted recommendations for diagnostic work-up either for the time of initial disease diagnosis or for the regular follow-up clinical examinations and diagnostic procedures required. However, due to recent advances, e.g. in the therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension, regular examinations may contribute to early recognition and treatment of developing organ involvement. This manuscript describes the recommendations for initial and follow-up organ-specific clinical examinations and diagnostic work-up as compiled and carried out by the German Network for Systemic Scleroderma [Deutsche Netzwerk für systemische Sklerodermie (DNSS)].
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Review [Laboratory diagnostics for systemic sclerosis] 2007
Mierau R, Roers A, Genth E. · Labor an der Rheumaklinik Aachen, Burtscheider Markt 24, 52066 Aachen. · Z Rheumatol. · Pubmed #17354003 No free full text.
Abstract: For systemic sclerosis, laboratory tests can play a supplementary role to clinical investigations, imaging techniques and functional tests. Typical autoantibodies support early diagnosis and help in assigning patients to subgroups of the disease; negative results for antinuclear antibodies suggest exclusion of the diagnosis. To detect organ involvement and comorbidity, the laboratory contributes by clinical chemistry, in certain cases by histopathological findings and by the cytological assessment of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. Inflammatory parameters are of minor importance. Multiple autoantibody determinations in the course of the disease are not yet helpful. Numerous additional laboratory parameters are of value for investigating pathogenesis, but have not yet been generally introduced into the routine diagnostics of systemic sclerosis.
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