Morphea is a rare, fibrosing skin disorder caused by the overproduction of
collagen by fibroblasts, resulting in a thickening of the dermis, subcutaneous
tissue, underlyingbone, and rarely the central nervous system when present on
the face and head. Morphea is clinically differentiated from systemic
scleroderma based on the absence of sclerodactyly, Raynaud’s
phenomenon, telangiectasias, gastrointestinal involvement, and nail-fold
capillary changes.
Quantifying disease severity and activity is a major challenge in Localised
scleroderma (LSc) and well established outcome measures for clinical trials are
lacking. Clinical scores such as the modified Rodnan score, which is validated
in systemic sclerosis has limited use in monitoring LSc. The Localised
Scleroderma Assessment tool (LoSCAT) is under evaluation and comprises of
an assessment of disease activity with assesment for skin damage.
Systemic therapy with agents like MTX, mycophenolate mofetil, D-
penicillamine, and cyclosporine should be highly considered in children with
progressive or extensive cutaneous disease with lesions affecting the face or
overlying joints, increasing the risk of developing both physical deformity and
functional impairment. According to a 2013 article by Bielsa, psoralen UVA or
NBUVB should be initiated in patients with generalized morphea without joint
contractures.
References:
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Browning JC. Pediatric Morphea. Dermatologic Clinics 2013;31(2):229–237.
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Reed AM, Lazzara DR, Skopit A. Pediatric Morphea: A Case report and Review of
Current Treatment Options. Semanticscholar. 2017:37-9.
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Eleftheriou D, Shaw L. Morphea (Localized Scleroderms). In Hoeger PH, Kinsler V,
Yan A, editors. Harper’s Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology. 4th edition. Oxford:
Wiley-Blackwel; 2020;99:1175-82.
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Bielsa MI. Update on the Classification and Treatment of Localized Scleroderma.
Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2013:104(8):654-66.
Author:
July Iriani Rahardja
MD
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Karya Medika Hospital in Bekasi
Indonesia.