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Scleroderma & Sjogren Syndrome Talk

2013 Seasonal Talk
Scleroderma & Sjogren Syndrome Talk

14th December 2013

Scleroderma & Sjogren Syndrome Talk was taken part in HKARF Jockey Club Patient Resource and Training Centre on 14th December 2013. The talk aimed to enhance people’s understanding of Scleroderma & Sjogren Syndrome. There were 39 participants in total.

The talk was started by Dr. MA Kai Yiu, a specialist in Rheumatology, to introduce the basis of Scleroderma, a rare rheumatism. The cause was unknown. Typical symptoms of Scleroderma including Raynaud’s phenomenon, morning stiffness and swollen joints were similar to those of Rheumatic arthritis and Systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, cautious checking with blood test or biopsy was required to confirm diagnosis. The disease was characterized by fibrosis of skins and sometimes of internal organs. There was no direct cure for this disease. Dr. MA reminded the participants that daily care was an important component of Scleroderma’s treatment. Moreover, treatments usually focused on the relieving of symptoms. Medications, physiotherapy and occupational therapy could help control the illness effectively.

Apart from this, the talk was continued by Dr. Virginia LAO, a specialist in Rheumatology, to introduce Sjogren Syndrome. This was also rarely seen rheumatism in which the immune system of patients attacked their exocrine glands and resulted in inflammation. Dryness in mouth, eyes, nose, vagina and skin was observed. Dr. LAO explained different tests to diagnose the disease and listed out its complications. There was no specific treatment to cure the disease at this moment. Supportive treatments were given to relieve the symptoms. Medications, both internal and external applications, and protective tools could improve the illness. Surgeries were applied in severe conditions.

Most participants were satisfied with the arrangement and content of the talk. They were interested in the diagnosis of Scleroderma & Sjogren Syndrome and hoped to participate to these activities in the future.

John Doe

Member