Prognosis
Scleroderma prognosis depends upon the prevailing complications, the type of treatment given, the patient’s response to treatment and the effectiveness in monitoring the health status of the patient.
Research has indicated that the patients’ risk of organ failure is the highest within the first three years. If three years pass without signs of organ failure then the patient’s chances of organ impairment is considerably minimized.
Prognosis for limited cutaneous scleroderma, is rather good.But this does not extend to those with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
5-year survival = 90%
10 year survival =75%
Prognosis is really bad for those with diffuse cutaneous disease, especially if the patient is an older male. Death occurs due to complications from heart and kidney.
5-year survival = 70%,
10-year survival = 55%
