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: Clinical evaluation
Changes in the color, appearance, and texture of the skin are noted. The thickness of the skin is evaluated periodically as its progression is associated with poor prognosis. The modified Rodnan skin score is used according to which scores are given from 0 to 3 (score 0 is given for uninvolved areas while score 3 is assigned to skin thickening). Nail fold capillary exam should be performed in all patients with Raynaud’s phenomena, if there is a suspicion of scleroderma. A thorough physical examination should be performed regularly to detect underlying organ involvement. Blood pressure monitoring should be carried out regularly. Autoantibody tests
They are used for both diagnosis and prognostic purposes. Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) are positive in more than 90% of the patients. Read more about Antinuclear antibodies Test (ANA Test)
Anti centromere antibodies are found in about 80-90% of patients with CREST syndrome. They can also be seen in Sjogren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.