Prognosis

• Scleroderma is a chronic condition, for which there is no cure and no change likely. Once the care and mobility needs are established any award would be likely to be indefinite.
• There is an increased mortality risk which persists for around 15 years.
• The localised type of disease (that is, the Morphea or Linear forms) does not change into the systemic form and the disease is generally not so severe.
• In Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis the condition has less severe internal organ involvement and the 10 year survival rate is 70%. However, death can occur later in the disease from pulmonary arterial hypertension (15% develop this).
• In Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis there is often severe internal organ involvement and many patients die from kidney, heart or lung complications. The 10 year survival is 55%. The prognosis is worst for those who exhibit early symptoms and signs of kidney, heart or lung damage, however, some patients may do well.

Reference: Clinical Medicine Kumar and Clark 5th Edition

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended November 2008