Scleroderma in Guinea’s African: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects

Abstract

Introduction: Scleroderma is a generalized condition of the connective tissue, arterioles and micro-vessels characterized by tissue fibrosis, vascular obliteration and abnormal humoral and cellular immune responses. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of scleroderma at the Department of Dermatology-Venerology at Donka National Hospital. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection of data for a period of 11 years, from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010, covering all inpatient records of Scleroderma in the service. Results: We collected 17 cases of scleroderma out of 3289, a frequency of 0.04%. The average age of patients was 33.33 years with extremes of 10 and 60 years. A female predominance was noted with a sex ratio M/F of 0.13. Cutaneous induration was the main symptom associated with the phenomenon of Raynaud, and disorders of pigmentation. The extra-skin manifestations were mainly dominated by gastrointestinal involvement (32%), pulmonary involvement (24%), cardiac (20%), articular (20%) and renal (12%) involvement. The systemic form was the most common (99.45%). Corticotherapy was the most prescribed treatment (24.59%). Clinical improvement was noted in (93.2%) of the cases. Conclusion: Scleroderma, although rare, deserves special attention at all levels for early diagnosis.