Scleroderma renal crisis is the term used to describe kidney
involvement in scleroderma because of the very much discomforting symptoms
brought about by it that indeed puts the patient into a crisis. This happens
when scleroderma, of which the cause is unknown, would reach the kidneys,
limiting blood supply to it and limiting its functions or totally impairing it.
This condition could only happen to those with the diffuse form of scleroderma
which is called limited sclerosis.
Kidney involvement in scleroderma would usually start of as
an increase in blood pressure then would later show more signs within weeks or
days. Scleroderma renal crisis is mainly associated with a decrease in kidney
function, the appearance of protein in urine and in severe cases, accompanied
by heart failure.
How Does This Develop?
Scleroderma would usually start of in the skin in the form
of calcinosis or Raynaud’s phenomenon. If it sticks with those symptoms, then
that case of scleroderma is most likely limited scleroderma or CREST which is
the milder form of the illness. Although this can disable, it would tend most
of the time not to be fatal. However, if it spreads to the internal organs, the
kidneys in particular, then that would be the beginning of scleroderma renal
involvement.
The connective tissues in the kidneys are the ones that are
primarily involved in scleroderma. Scleroderma causes scar tissue to develop in
them, thus making them thicker. This also limits blood flow to the kidneys that
in turn could impair or actually kill some parts of the kidney or the kidney
itself. This could also lead to heart complications that in sever cases, could
lead to heart failure.
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