research

The cause of scleroderma is not known. It is hoped that research into the cause of scleroderma might lead to new advances in treatment and intervention. Scleroderma Australia aims to encourage and stimulate new ideas in the search for the cause and treatment of scleroderma through its research program which will be funded by member states, corporate and individual sponsors.

 

Research Program 2010

The following research projects have been funded by Scleroderam Australia and are being administered on our behalf by Arthritis Australia.

 

 

Dr Gene-Siew Ngian

Department of Medicine, RMH/WH University of Melbourne

‘Arterial stiffness in scleroderma’

 

The aim of this study is to measure the stiffness in arteries in scleroderma patients. The study will also show whether increased artery stiffness predicts which scleroderma patients will develop these more serious diseases. The outcome of this study may help to treat patients early and prevent serious illness or death.

 

Dr Ngian, currently an advanced trainee in rheumatology at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, was awarded MBBS (Hons) in 2002 and, after completing her RACP (Royal Australian College of Physicians) in written and clinical examinations in 2006, is due to complete her advanced training this year.

 

 

Dr. Mandana Nikpour

Dept of Medicine, University of Melbourne , St. Vincents Hospital

‘High resolution CT lung in scleroderma’

 

Although scleroderma (Sc) may affect many parts of the body, the lung is one of the most frequently involved organs. Lung disease is the commonest cause of scleroderma-related death. The thickening and scarring of lung tissue is known as pulmonary fibrosis (PF). To date, there have been few treatments for scleroderma-related pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) and these treatments are often associated with considerable side effects.  Over the past decade, high resolution CT (HRCT) scanning of the lungs has changed the way we diagnose Scl-PF and, in most patients, eliminated the need for invasive lung biopsy. However, the role of HRCT in determining the likely outcome of patients with SSc-PF and in monitoring the progression of pulmonary fibrosis over time has not been fully tested. The aim of this study is to determine the role of HRCT scans in predicting the outcome of patients with SSc-PF, and to define the role of repeated HRCT scans in assessing worsening in SSc-PF.

 

Over the past five years Dr Nikpour has received extensive awards and academic achievements including the Canadian Rheumatology Association Awared for the best original research abstract in 2006. She has a significant number of publications and has presented orally at over 10 national and international meetings

 

 

Recently Published Articles

The Medical Journal of Australia Volume 191 Number 7; 5 October 2009 has an article titled Systemic sclerosis:new hope for an unyielding disease. This articles authors are Helen J Englert, Rheumatologist and Head of Scleroderma Research, Centre for Research and Management of Systemic Sclerosis and Nicholas Manolios, Rheumatologist and Director Department of Rheumatology, Westmead Hospital. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this article please email your details to secretary@sclerodermaaustralia.com.au

 

Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB)

Medical and Scientific Advisory Board members come from different states in Australia and reflect a range of therapeutic areas affected in scleroderma. Currently, MSAB members are: