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Quality in Sport

Systemic Sclerosis – A Diagnostic Challenge or a Clinically Controllable Disease?
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Systemic Sclerosis – A Diagnostic Challenge or a Clinically Controllable Disease?

Authors

  • Olga Kądziołka https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1052-4504
  • Karolina Skonieczna Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0153-7444
  • Magdalena Badziąg https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8598-1034
  • Paulina Szulc https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7614-9214
  • Laura Kurczoba https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1330-991X
  • Martyna Kłossowska https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7444-1637
  • Olimpia Wiciun https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0318-5527
  • Kacper Ordon https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1764-3422

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.42.60484

Keywords

systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, autoimmunity, vasculopathy, fibrosis, EULAR recommendations

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune condition in which skin and internal organ involvement progresses through interrelated processes of vasculopathy, immune activation, and fibrosis. Although considered an uncommon disease, its impact is disproportionate due to delayed diagnosis and potential for multiorgan complications. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the underlying mechanisms, clinical spectrum, and management strategies of systemic sclerosis, with particular attention to validated classification criteria and therapeutic recommendations. The paper emphasizes the role of early clinical suspicion, specific serologic and capillaroscopic findings, and the significance of evolving immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. An individualized and multidisciplinary approach remains essential in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Author Biographies

Olga Kądziołka

Olga Kądziołka

Independent Public Health Care Facility in Szamotuły, Poland
Email: olgkadz9393@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1052-4504 

Karolina Skonieczna, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu

Karolina Skonieczna
Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Email: karolina.skonieczna05@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0153-7444

Magdalena Badziąg

Magdalena Badziąg
University Clinical Center in Gdańsk, Poland
Email: badziagmagdalena@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8598-1034

Paulina Szulc

Paulina Szulc
Dr Jan Biziel's University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland
Email: paulinaszulc210@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7614-9214

Laura Kurczoba

Laura Kurczoba
Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Email: laurakurczoba@vp.pl
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1330-991X

Martyna Kłossowska

Martyna Kłossowska
Baltic Clinic Sp. z o.o., Gdynia, Poland
Email: marklossowska@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7444-1637

Olimpia Wiciun

Olimpia Wiciun
Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Email: wiciunolimpia@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1264-0481

Kacper Ordon

Kacper Ordon
Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Email: kacper.ordon1c@wp.pl
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1764-3422

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Quality in Sport

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2025-06-11

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KĄDZIOŁKA, Olga, SKONIECZNA, Karolina, BADZIĄG, Magdalena, SZULC, Paulina, KURCZOBA, Laura, KŁOSSOWSKA, Martyna, WICIUN, Olimpia and ORDON, Kacper. Systemic Sclerosis – A Diagnostic Challenge or a Clinically Controllable Disease?. Quality in Sport. Online. 11 June 2025. Vol. 42, p. 60484. [Accessed 29 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.42.60484.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Olga Kądziołka, Karolina Skonieczna, Magdalena Badziąg, Paulina Szulc, Laura Kurczoba, Martyna Kłossowska, Olimpia Wiciun, Kacper Ordon

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