Morphea
Rokowania, prognozy i postęp choroby

Morfea, czyli twardzina ograniczona, to rzadka choroba autoimmunologiczna tkanki łącznej o rocznej zapadalności 0,4-2,7/100 000, charakteryzująca się zapaleniem i włóknieniem skóry oraz tkanek głębszych. Przebieg choroby jest zróżnicowany w zależności od podtypu: morfea plackowata ma zwykle samoograniczający się charakter z aktywnością trwającą średnio 3-5 lat, morfea linijna cechuje się dłuższym czasem trwania i wyższym ryzykiem nawrotów, natomiast morfea uogólniona i głęboka wiążą się z gorszym rokowaniem i większą chorobowością. Dodatnie miano ANA oraz postać uogólniona korelują z cięższym przebiegiem. Wśród powikłań wymienia się przykurcze stawów, deformacje, manifestacje neurologiczne i okulistyczne, a także ryzyko raka kolczystokomórkowego w rzadkich przypadkach. Wskaźniki przeżycia nie odbiegają od populacji ogólnej, jednak ciężkie postacie mogą prowadzić do trwałej niepełnosprawności, a w wyjątkowych sytuacjach do zgonu.

Morfea – Prognozy (przewidywanie przebiegu choroby)

Morfea (twardzina ograniczona) to rzadka choroba autoimmunologiczna tkanki łącznej o rocznej zapadalności 0,4-2,7 przypadków na 100 000 osób, charakteryzująca się procesem zapalnym i włóknieniem skóry oraz tkanek położonych głębiej.12 Ocena rokowania w przypadku morfei jest złożona, a przewidywanie przebiegu choroby może być utrudnione ze względu na różnorodność jej manifestacji klinicznych oraz indywidualny przebieg u poszczególnych pacjentów.

Naturalny przebieg choroby

U zdecydowanej większości pacjentów z morfeą choroba samoistnie wygasa w ciągu 3-5 lat, niezależnie od zastosowanego leczenia.34 Morfea w postaci powierzchownej ograniczonej zazwyczaj ma charakter samoograniczający się, a poszczególne zmiany stopniowo ustępują. Średni czas aktywności choroby w przypadku pojedynczej zmiany wynosi 3-5 lat, jednakże u pacjentów mogą pojawiać się nowe zmiany w ciągu całego życia.5

Przebieg choroby może się różnić w zależności od podtypu morfei:

  • Morfea plackowata (ograniczona) – zwykle ma najlepsze rokowanie z tendencją do samoistnego ustępowania6
  • Morfea linijna – zmiany utrzymują się dłużej niż w postaci plackowatej, choć z czasem często następuje poprawa. Charakteryzuje się wyższym wskaźnikiem nawrotów w porównaniu z innymi wariantami7
  • Morfea uogólniona – wiąże się z gorszym rokowaniem, progresją choroby lub przebiegiem nawracająco-remisyjnym8
  • Morfea głęboka – może powodować znaczną chorobowość, szczególnie u dzieci9
  • Morfea pansklerodermatyczna u dzieci – rzadka, agresywna i okaleczająca odmiana morfei głębokiej, rozpoczynająca się przed 14. rokiem życia, charakteryzująca się nieubłaganą progresją i ciężką niepełnosprawnością10

Czynniki prognostyczne

Zidentyfikowano kilka czynników, które mogą wpływać na rokowanie u pacjentów z morfeą:

  • Początkowa prezentacja w postaci morfei uogólnionej jest związana z gorszym rokowaniem11
  • Dodatnie miano przeciwciał przeciwjądrowych (ANA) na początku choroby wiąże się z gorszym rokowaniem12
  • Podtyp liniowy może nawracać i aktywować się ponownie, pozostawać bez zmian lub z czasem rozszerzać się13
  • Wskaźniki nawrotów są generalnie wyższe u dzieci z morfeą niż u dorosłych (27% vs 17%)14

Ciężkość choroby i powikłania

Morfea zazwyczaj ma łagodny, samoograniczający się przebieg. Wskaźniki przeżycia pacjentów z morfeą nie różnią się od wskaźników dla populacji ogólnej.15 Typowo morfea nie zmienia długości życia pacjentów.16 Jednakże w rzadkich, ciężkich postaciach morfei mogą wystąpić długotrwałe niepełnosprawności, a w skrajnie rzadkich przypadkach może dojść do zgonu.17

Potencjalne powikłania w zależności od podtypu morfei obejmują:

  • W morfei linijnej i głębokiej:
    • Przykurcze stawów1819
    • Różnica w długości kończyn20
    • Wyraźny zanik twarzy21
    • Znaczna niepełnosprawność i deformacje u 25-50% pacjentów22
  • W morfei twarzoczaszkowej (np. en coup de sabre, zespół Parry-Romberga):
    • Manifestacje neurologiczne2324
    • Powikłania okulistyczne2526
  • W morfei pansklerodermatycznej:
    • Przewlekłe owrzodzenia27
    • Rak kolczystokomórkowy skóry (rzadko)28
  • Przy znacznym zajęciu ściany klatki piersiowej:
    • Trudności w oddychaniu z powodu zwężenia klatki piersiowej29

Depresja i lęk są powszechne wśród pacjentów z morfeą i korelują z rozległością zajęcia skóry.30

Wpływ leczenia na rokowanie

Wczesna identyfikacja aktywności choroby i rozpoczęcie odpowiedniego leczenia ma kluczowe znaczenie dla ograniczenia uszkodzeń w morfei.31 Nieleczona aktywna morfea może prowadzić do trwałych deformacji i upośledzenia funkcji, dlatego wczesna diagnoza i leczenie są niezbędne, aby zminimalizować uszkodzenia.32

Aktywność choroby u pacjentów z morfeą zazwyczaj poprawia się pod wpływem leczenia, jednak konieczne jest długoterminowe monitorowanie, ponieważ przebieg choroby może się nasilać i słabnąć, szczególnie u osób z podtypem uogólnionym.33

Obecnie najczęściej stosowanymi terapiami w morfei są:

  • Metotreksat w połączeniu z ogólnoustrojowymi kortykosteroidami – leczenie to zostało prospektywnie zbadane u dużej liczby pacjentów z pozytywnymi wynikami klinicznymi34
  • Fototerapia UVA1 – wraz z szerokopasmowym UVA, PUVA i NBUVB przynosi korzyści pacjentom z morfeą, przy czym UVA1 w wysokiej dawce jest prawdopodobnie najbardziej skuteczną opcją35

Do tej pory metotreksat w połączeniu z ogólnoustrojowymi kortykosteroidami oraz UVA1 mają najbardziej przekonujące dane potwierdzające ich stosowanie.36 Jednak te leki immunosupresyjne nie są specyficzne dla choroby, a ich długotrwałe stosowanie wiąże się z wieloma działaniami niepożądanymi.37

Dalsze postępowanie po ustabilizowaniu choroby

Po przejściu aktywnych zmian w stan nieaktywny, leczenie koncentruje się na poprawie jakości życia poprzez rozwiązywanie problemów kosmetycznych i funkcjonalnych.38 Uszkodzenia, które pozostają po ustąpieniu aktywności choroby, obejmują zaniki, zmiany pigmentacji i upośledzenie funkcji.39

Perspektywy na przyszłość

Istnieje kilka obiecujących kierunków badań nad morfeą, które mogą wpłynąć na poprawę rokowania w przyszłości:

  • Trwają badania nad imatynibem dla pacjentów z morfeą, a wyniki są oczekiwane40
  • Niedawno zakończone badanie bezpieczeństwa tofacytinibu wykazało tendencję do poprawy zwłóknienia skóry bez znaczących skutków ubocznych w ciągu sześciu miesięcy41
  • Trwa 5-letnie otwarte badanie oceniające terapię deplecji limfocytów B rytuksymabem u pacjentów z morfeą42

Istnieje krytyczna potrzeba jaśniejszego zdefiniowania patogenezy morfei w celu zidentyfikowania obiecujących celów dla badań mechanistycznych i rozwoju terapeutycznego.43 Lepsze zrozumienie patogenezy choroby pozwoli na udoskonalenie miar wyników oraz opracowanie celów terapeutycznych i nowych biomarkerów.44

Ocena wyniku leczenia

Brak terapii opartych na dowodach w przypadku morfei wynika częściowo z braku powszechnie stosowanej zwalidowanej miary wyników.45 Narzędzie do oceny skórnej twardziny ograniczonej (Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool, LoSCAT) jest obiecującym, niedawno zwalidowanym narzędziem do oceny skóry, które umożliwia rozróżnienie między aktywnością a uszkodzeniem, jest wrażliwe na zmiany i nie wymaga dodatkowego sprzętu.46 LoSCAT wydaje się być obecnie najbardziej obiecującą miarą wyników w morfei, biorąc pod uwagę łatwość użycia, możliwość zastosowania w klinice bez dodatkowych instrumentów lub obrazowania oraz dobrą wiarygodność między i wewnątrz oceniających.47

Pomimo obiecujących wyników, potrzebna jest dalsza praca, aby lepiej zwalidować te miary przed ich zastosowaniem w klinice i środowiskach badawczych.48

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Upcoming treatments for morphea
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8589364/
    Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with variable clinical presentations, with an annual incidence of 0.42.7 cases per 100,000. […] Insights into morphea pathogenesis are often extrapolated from studies of systemic sclerosis due to their similar skin histopathologic features; however, clinically they are two distinct diseases as evidenced by different demographics, clinical features, disease course and prognosis. […] No cure for morphea exists, but advances in our understanding of the mediators and cellular pathways underlying fibrosis have revealed potential therapeutic targets to prevent permanent damage. […] Current treatment recommendations for morphea are limited, with a combination of systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate as the most common treatment option.
  • #2 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Morphea is a rare autoimmune condition causing inflammation and sclerosis of the skin and underlying soft tissue. […] This makes the early identification of activity and initiation of appropriate treatment crucial to limiting damage in morphea. […] Despite promising results, further work is needed to better validate these measures before they can be used in the clinic and research settings. […] The mainstays of treatment for active morphea are corticosteroids and methotrexate. […] Unchecked disease activity in morphea can lead to permanent deformity and functional impairment, and thus early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize damage. […] Current standard of care therapies for morphea are immunosuppressive agents that aim to shut down disease activity, and thus early and accurate assessment of activity is crucial in preventing permanent cosmetic and functional sequelae.
  • #3 Morphea Information for Patients | RDS
    https://www.rheumaderm-society.org/morphea-information-for-patients/
    Every morphea patient is different and therefore predictions of disease course are difficult. […] For the vast majority of patients with morphea, the condition will burn out with or without treatment in 3 to 5 years. […] Typically, morphea does not change the length of your life span. However, the rare severe forms of morphea discussed above can produce long-term disability and on extremely rare occasion, death.
  • #4 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #5 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #6 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #7 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #8 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #9 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #10 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #11 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #12 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #13 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #14 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #15 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #16 Morphea Information for Patients | RDS
    https://www.rheumaderm-society.org/morphea-information-for-patients/
    Every morphea patient is different and therefore predictions of disease course are difficult. […] For the vast majority of patients with morphea, the condition will burn out with or without treatment in 3 to 5 years. […] Typically, morphea does not change the length of your life span. However, the rare severe forms of morphea discussed above can produce long-term disability and on extremely rare occasion, death.
  • #17 Morphea Information for Patients | RDS
    https://www.rheumaderm-society.org/morphea-information-for-patients/
    Every morphea patient is different and therefore predictions of disease course are difficult. […] For the vast majority of patients with morphea, the condition will burn out with or without treatment in 3 to 5 years. […] Typically, morphea does not change the length of your life span. However, the rare severe forms of morphea discussed above can produce long-term disability and on extremely rare occasion, death.
  • #18 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #19 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations can also occur in those with craniofacial lesions (eg, en coup de sabre, Parry-Romberg syndrome). Such complications are more common in pediatric cases. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with morphea and correlate with the amount of skin involvement. […] In the linear and deep morphea subtypes, joint contractures, subcutaneous atrophy, and growth failure can be deforming and disabling. Rarely, pansclerotic morphea can give rise to chronic ulcers as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • #20 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #21 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #22 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #23 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #24 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations can also occur in those with craniofacial lesions (eg, en coup de sabre, Parry-Romberg syndrome). Such complications are more common in pediatric cases. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with morphea and correlate with the amount of skin involvement. […] In the linear and deep morphea subtypes, joint contractures, subcutaneous atrophy, and growth failure can be deforming and disabling. Rarely, pansclerotic morphea can give rise to chronic ulcers as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • #25 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Superficial circumscribed morphea is a self-limited condition that tends to slowly involute with time; the duration of disease activity of each individual lesion averages 3-5 years; however, patients tend to develop new lesions over their lifetimes. […] Initial presentation with generalized morphea and/or positive baseline ANA titer is associated with a poorer prognosis, worsening of disease, or a relapsing-remitting course. […] Linear lesions tend to persist for longer than plaque-type lesions, but they often improve over the years. However, linear morphea, including the en coup de sabre subtype, may remit and reactivate, remain unchanged, or become more extensive with time. Linear morphea also has a higher rate of relapse compared with other variants. In addition, patients with linear lesions may develop limb atrophy and contractures that result in limited movement and permanent disability. Neurologic and ocular sequelae represent other potential complications of craniofacial linear morphea. Long-term follow-up and serial imaging may be indicated.
  • #26 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations can also occur in those with craniofacial lesions (eg, en coup de sabre, Parry-Romberg syndrome). Such complications are more common in pediatric cases. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with morphea and correlate with the amount of skin involvement. […] In the linear and deep morphea subtypes, joint contractures, subcutaneous atrophy, and growth failure can be deforming and disabling. Rarely, pansclerotic morphea can give rise to chronic ulcers as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • #27 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations can also occur in those with craniofacial lesions (eg, en coup de sabre, Parry-Romberg syndrome). Such complications are more common in pediatric cases. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with morphea and correlate with the amount of skin involvement. […] In the linear and deep morphea subtypes, joint contractures, subcutaneous atrophy, and growth failure can be deforming and disabling. Rarely, pansclerotic morphea can give rise to chronic ulcers as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • #28 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations can also occur in those with craniofacial lesions (eg, en coup de sabre, Parry-Romberg syndrome). Such complications are more common in pediatric cases. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with morphea and correlate with the amount of skin involvement. […] In the linear and deep morphea subtypes, joint contractures, subcutaneous atrophy, and growth failure can be deforming and disabling. Rarely, pansclerotic morphea can give rise to chronic ulcers as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • #29 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #30 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations can also occur in those with craniofacial lesions (eg, en coup de sabre, Parry-Romberg syndrome). Such complications are more common in pediatric cases. Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with morphea and correlate with the amount of skin involvement. […] In the linear and deep morphea subtypes, joint contractures, subcutaneous atrophy, and growth failure can be deforming and disabling. Rarely, pansclerotic morphea can give rise to chronic ulcers as well as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • #31 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Morphea is a rare autoimmune condition causing inflammation and sclerosis of the skin and underlying soft tissue. […] This makes the early identification of activity and initiation of appropriate treatment crucial to limiting damage in morphea. […] Despite promising results, further work is needed to better validate these measures before they can be used in the clinic and research settings. […] The mainstays of treatment for active morphea are corticosteroids and methotrexate. […] Unchecked disease activity in morphea can lead to permanent deformity and functional impairment, and thus early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize damage. […] Current standard of care therapies for morphea are immunosuppressive agents that aim to shut down disease activity, and thus early and accurate assessment of activity is crucial in preventing permanent cosmetic and functional sequelae.
  • #32 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Morphea is a rare autoimmune condition causing inflammation and sclerosis of the skin and underlying soft tissue. […] This makes the early identification of activity and initiation of appropriate treatment crucial to limiting damage in morphea. […] Despite promising results, further work is needed to better validate these measures before they can be used in the clinic and research settings. […] The mainstays of treatment for active morphea are corticosteroids and methotrexate. […] Unchecked disease activity in morphea can lead to permanent deformity and functional impairment, and thus early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize damage. […] Current standard of care therapies for morphea are immunosuppressive agents that aim to shut down disease activity, and thus early and accurate assessment of activity is crucial in preventing permanent cosmetic and functional sequelae.
  • #33 Morphea: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1065782-overview
    Pansclerotic morphea of children is a rare, aggressive, and mutilating variant of deep morphea that begins before age 14 years and has a disease course of relentless progression and severe disability. […] Disease activity in patients with morphea tends to improve with treatment; however, long-term monitoring is necessary, as the disease course can wax and wane, particularly in those with the generalized subtype. […] Relapse rates are generally higher in children with morphea than in adults (27% vs 17%). […] Morphea typically has a benign, self-limited course. Survival rates for morphea patients are no different from those of the general population. […] However, linear and deep morphea subtypes can cause considerable morbidity, especially in children, when they interfere with growth. Joint contractures, limb-length discrepancy, and prominent facial atrophy result in substantial disability and deformity in a quarter to half of all patients with linear or deep morphea. Marked chest wall involvement may cause difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the thorax.
  • #34 Update on morphea Part II. Outcome measures and treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382896/
    Methotrexate in combination with systemic steroids and UVA1 phototherapy have been prospectively studied in a large number of patients with positive clinical outcomes. […] The LoSCAT appears to be the most promising outcome measure for morphea at this time, given its ease of use, ability to use in clinic without additional instruments or imaging, and good inter- and intrarater reliability. […] In conclusion, although randomized placebo controlled studies assessing the efficacy of methotrexate in morphea are lacking, several prospective and retrospective studies support its effectiveness in combination with systemic steroids. […] UVA1, broadband UVA, PUVA, and NBUVB provide benefit to patients with morphea. High dose UVA1 is likely the most effective option. However, the long-term side effects of photodamage and carcinogenesis may make low dose UVA1 a safer yet still effective option. […] To date, methotrexate combined with systemic corticosteroids and UVA1 have the most convincing data supporting their use.
  • #35 Update on morphea Part II. Outcome measures and treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382896/
    Methotrexate in combination with systemic steroids and UVA1 phototherapy have been prospectively studied in a large number of patients with positive clinical outcomes. […] The LoSCAT appears to be the most promising outcome measure for morphea at this time, given its ease of use, ability to use in clinic without additional instruments or imaging, and good inter- and intrarater reliability. […] In conclusion, although randomized placebo controlled studies assessing the efficacy of methotrexate in morphea are lacking, several prospective and retrospective studies support its effectiveness in combination with systemic steroids. […] UVA1, broadband UVA, PUVA, and NBUVB provide benefit to patients with morphea. High dose UVA1 is likely the most effective option. However, the long-term side effects of photodamage and carcinogenesis may make low dose UVA1 a safer yet still effective option. […] To date, methotrexate combined with systemic corticosteroids and UVA1 have the most convincing data supporting their use.
  • #36 Update on morphea Part II. Outcome measures and treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382896/
    Methotrexate in combination with systemic steroids and UVA1 phototherapy have been prospectively studied in a large number of patients with positive clinical outcomes. […] The LoSCAT appears to be the most promising outcome measure for morphea at this time, given its ease of use, ability to use in clinic without additional instruments or imaging, and good inter- and intrarater reliability. […] In conclusion, although randomized placebo controlled studies assessing the efficacy of methotrexate in morphea are lacking, several prospective and retrospective studies support its effectiveness in combination with systemic steroids. […] UVA1, broadband UVA, PUVA, and NBUVB provide benefit to patients with morphea. High dose UVA1 is likely the most effective option. However, the long-term side effects of photodamage and carcinogenesis may make low dose UVA1 a safer yet still effective option. […] To date, methotrexate combined with systemic corticosteroids and UVA1 have the most convincing data supporting their use.
  • #37 Upcoming treatments for morphea
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8589364/
    However, these are not disease-specific treatments and their long-term use is associated with many side effects. […] Thus, there are unmet needs in both understanding morphea pathogenesis and identifying targeted therapies. […] We discuss the rationale of investigations, including potential mechanisms of action and efficacy for specific clinical subtypes of morphea. […] An interplay between genetic factors, epigenetic modifications, immune and vascular dysfunction, along with environmental hits are considered as the main contributors to morphea pathogenesis. […] There are currently efforts underway to update and improve the disease classification but morphea is generally classified into five groups of plaque, generalized, bullous, linear, and deep. […] There is a trial of Imatinib ongoing for morphea patients (Table 1) with results pending.
  • #38 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Damage that results after active lesions progress to an inactive state include atrophy, pigment changes and functional impairment. […] Once lesions are clinically inactive, treatment centers around improving quality of life by addressing cosmetic and functional concerns. […] There remains a critical need to define morphea pathogenesis more clearly in order to identify promising targets for mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. […] There remains a gap in knowledge in clearly elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease, and further study is necessary to provide a full understanding of the environmental, systemic, local, genetic and immunopathological factors underpinning morphea pathogenesis. […] A better understanding of disease pathogenesis will allow for refinement of outcome measures and development of therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.
  • #39 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Damage that results after active lesions progress to an inactive state include atrophy, pigment changes and functional impairment. […] Once lesions are clinically inactive, treatment centers around improving quality of life by addressing cosmetic and functional concerns. […] There remains a critical need to define morphea pathogenesis more clearly in order to identify promising targets for mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. […] There remains a gap in knowledge in clearly elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease, and further study is necessary to provide a full understanding of the environmental, systemic, local, genetic and immunopathological factors underpinning morphea pathogenesis. […] A better understanding of disease pathogenesis will allow for refinement of outcome measures and development of therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.
  • #40 Upcoming treatments for morphea
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8589364/
    However, these are not disease-specific treatments and their long-term use is associated with many side effects. […] Thus, there are unmet needs in both understanding morphea pathogenesis and identifying targeted therapies. […] We discuss the rationale of investigations, including potential mechanisms of action and efficacy for specific clinical subtypes of morphea. […] An interplay between genetic factors, epigenetic modifications, immune and vascular dysfunction, along with environmental hits are considered as the main contributors to morphea pathogenesis. […] There are currently efforts underway to update and improve the disease classification but morphea is generally classified into five groups of plaque, generalized, bullous, linear, and deep. […] There is a trial of Imatinib ongoing for morphea patients (Table 1) with results pending.
  • #41 Upcoming treatments for morphea
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8589364/
    A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of patients with interstitial lung fibrosis who were randomized to either FG3013 or placebo is awaiting trial results. […] A phase II clinical trial of Lenabasum (ajulemic acid) showed efficacy in patients with SSc; however, another more recent trial did not show significant efficacy from Lenabasum versus placebo with preliminary data. […] A recently completed safety trial of tofacitinib showed a trend in improvement of skin fibrosis and no significant side effects over six months. […] A 5-year open-label trial evaluating B cell depletion therapy with RTX in morphea patients (Table 1) is still awaiting results.
  • #42 Upcoming treatments for morphea
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8589364/
    A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of patients with interstitial lung fibrosis who were randomized to either FG3013 or placebo is awaiting trial results. […] A phase II clinical trial of Lenabasum (ajulemic acid) showed efficacy in patients with SSc; however, another more recent trial did not show significant efficacy from Lenabasum versus placebo with preliminary data. […] A recently completed safety trial of tofacitinib showed a trend in improvement of skin fibrosis and no significant side effects over six months. […] A 5-year open-label trial evaluating B cell depletion therapy with RTX in morphea patients (Table 1) is still awaiting results.
  • #43 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Damage that results after active lesions progress to an inactive state include atrophy, pigment changes and functional impairment. […] Once lesions are clinically inactive, treatment centers around improving quality of life by addressing cosmetic and functional concerns. […] There remains a critical need to define morphea pathogenesis more clearly in order to identify promising targets for mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. […] There remains a gap in knowledge in clearly elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease, and further study is necessary to provide a full understanding of the environmental, systemic, local, genetic and immunopathological factors underpinning morphea pathogenesis. […] A better understanding of disease pathogenesis will allow for refinement of outcome measures and development of therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.
  • #44 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Damage that results after active lesions progress to an inactive state include atrophy, pigment changes and functional impairment. […] Once lesions are clinically inactive, treatment centers around improving quality of life by addressing cosmetic and functional concerns. […] There remains a critical need to define morphea pathogenesis more clearly in order to identify promising targets for mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. […] There remains a gap in knowledge in clearly elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease, and further study is necessary to provide a full understanding of the environmental, systemic, local, genetic and immunopathological factors underpinning morphea pathogenesis. […] A better understanding of disease pathogenesis will allow for refinement of outcome measures and development of therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.
  • #45 Update on morphea Part II. Outcome measures and treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382896/
    Morphea is a rare fibrosing disorder of the skin and underlying tissues. […] Evidence-based therapies for morphea are lacking because of the rarity of the disease and the lack of universally used validated outcome measures. […] Methotrexate in combination with systemic steroids and ultraviolet A1 light phototherapy are the two therapies for morphea with the most clinical data. […] The lack of evidence-based therapies for morphea is partially related to the absence of a universally used validated outcome measure. […] The Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool is a promising recently validated skin scoring tool that allows differentiation between activity and damage, is sensitive to change, and requires no additional equipment. […] Four randomized controlled studies of treatment options in morphea have been completed.
  • #46 Update on morphea Part II. Outcome measures and treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382896/
    Morphea is a rare fibrosing disorder of the skin and underlying tissues. […] Evidence-based therapies for morphea are lacking because of the rarity of the disease and the lack of universally used validated outcome measures. […] Methotrexate in combination with systemic steroids and ultraviolet A1 light phototherapy are the two therapies for morphea with the most clinical data. […] The lack of evidence-based therapies for morphea is partially related to the absence of a universally used validated outcome measure. […] The Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool is a promising recently validated skin scoring tool that allows differentiation between activity and damage, is sensitive to change, and requires no additional equipment. […] Four randomized controlled studies of treatment options in morphea have been completed.
  • #47 Update on morphea Part II. Outcome measures and treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7382896/
    Methotrexate in combination with systemic steroids and UVA1 phototherapy have been prospectively studied in a large number of patients with positive clinical outcomes. […] The LoSCAT appears to be the most promising outcome measure for morphea at this time, given its ease of use, ability to use in clinic without additional instruments or imaging, and good inter- and intrarater reliability. […] In conclusion, although randomized placebo controlled studies assessing the efficacy of methotrexate in morphea are lacking, several prospective and retrospective studies support its effectiveness in combination with systemic steroids. […] UVA1, broadband UVA, PUVA, and NBUVB provide benefit to patients with morphea. High dose UVA1 is likely the most effective option. However, the long-term side effects of photodamage and carcinogenesis may make low dose UVA1 a safer yet still effective option. […] To date, methotrexate combined with systemic corticosteroids and UVA1 have the most convincing data supporting their use.
  • #48 Morphea: progress to date and the road ahead
    https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/61306/html
    Morphea is a rare autoimmune condition causing inflammation and sclerosis of the skin and underlying soft tissue. […] This makes the early identification of activity and initiation of appropriate treatment crucial to limiting damage in morphea. […] Despite promising results, further work is needed to better validate these measures before they can be used in the clinic and research settings. […] The mainstays of treatment for active morphea are corticosteroids and methotrexate. […] Unchecked disease activity in morphea can lead to permanent deformity and functional impairment, and thus early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize damage. […] Current standard of care therapies for morphea are immunosuppressive agents that aim to shut down disease activity, and thus early and accurate assessment of activity is crucial in preventing permanent cosmetic and functional sequelae.