Scleroderma - Other Treatments

Other Treatments

Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation. Researchers are investigating a possible benefit of transplanting the patient's own stem cells (an autologous transplant). (Patients with autoimmune diseases cannot be given cells from donors.) The transplant procedures introduce normal white blood cells that replace the abnormal autoimmune cells. Randomized controlled trials comparing stem cell transplants to monthly cyclophosphamide therapy are underway in Europe and the U.S.

Although the risk of death from having a transplant is now less than 10%, the procedure has serious side effects. Experts suggest that the best candidates are those at high risk for complications from scleroderma. In general, such patients would have diffuse scleroderma, experienced their first symptoms within the previous three years, and have evidence of at least mild abnormalities in the heart, lungs, or kidney. In general, patients with advanced scleroderma would not be the best candidates, because the risks of the procedure would outweigh the risks from the disease.

---

---

Herbs and Supplements

Because of the difficulty in treating scleroderma, many patients are tempted to try high-dose supplements or other alternative treatments. Some natural treatments have been evaluated for the treatment of scleroderma, including para-aminobenzoic acid, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, and an avocado/soybean extract. However, these treatments have not been proven effective, and using alternative remedies can be dangerous.

There is almost no published research on the use of herbal remedies for patients with scleroderma. Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been numerous reported cases of serious and even deadly side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Review Date: 01/04/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).