Title: CREST Syndrome - Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Self-Care Tips and Treatment | medcaretips.com
Headings: CREST Syndrome – Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Self-Care Tips and Treatment
CREST Syndrome – Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Self-Care Tips and Treatment
Clinical Features
Cause of CREST Syndrome
Risk Factors
Complications
Gastrointestinal complications
Lung complications
Heart Complications
Kidney complications
Ulcers on fingers and toes
Endocrinal complications
Other complications
Diagnosis and Investigations
Clinical evaluation
Autoantibody tests
Complete blood counts
Nonspecific indicators of inflammation
Serum calcium and phosphorus levels
Renal function tests
Thyroid function tests
X-ray of extremities
Doppler ultrasonography or angiography
Electromyogram/nerve conduction velocity test
Pulmonary function tests
Electrocardiography and Holter monitoring
Upper GI endoscopy, esophageal manometry, barium swallow studies
CT scan
Skin biopsy
Self –Care Tips
Keep warm
Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Healthy eating habits
To prevent acid reflux
Take care of your skin
Practice good oral hygiene
Treatment
Medicinal treatment
Pain relief medication
Antibiotics
Antacids
Medicines to treat dry mouth
Immunosuppressive drugs
Penicillamine
Calcinosis
Raynaud’s phenomenon
E sophageal dysfunction
Sclerodactyly
Telangiectasias
Treatment of complications
References
About Dr Surbhi Mahajan

Content: Intestinal involvement can cause bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia leading to malnutrition and weight loss. Lung complications
It is the leading cause of deaths in patients of CREST syndrome as it may cause progressive respiratory failure. The deposition of excess collagen in between the air sacs of the lungs makes the lung tissue stiffer resulting in reduced functioning of the lungs. It may also cause pulmonary artery hypertension (increased blood pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs) which may ultimately lead to cor pulmonale (heart failure). Heart Complications
Fibrosis and scarring of heart tissue can result in arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) or dilated cardiomyopathy (enlargement and weakening of the heart). There can also occur myocarditis (inflamed heart muscle), pericardial effusion (fluid in pericardial sac), etc. Kidney complications
Kidney damage is more common in diffuse form of scleroderma. However, it can occur in limited scleroderma as well. The involvement of the blood vessels causes reduced blood flow to the kidneys resulting in renal crises and kidney failure. The patient may present with high blood pressure.