PRINTER'S NO. 1340
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
123
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY MALAGARI AND KINSEY, MAY 24, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 24, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing June 29, 2023, as "World Scleroderma Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Scleroderma is a group of rare autoimmune diseases
that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and
connective tissues; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma affects women more often than men and
most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50; and
WHEREAS, There are various types of scleroderma, some of
which harm the skin, while other variations cause damage to
structures beyond the skin, such as blood vessels, internal
organs and the digestive tract; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma affecting the skin causes a hardening
and tightening of patches, which may be shaped like ovals or
straight lines, or cover wide areas of the body; and
WHEREAS, The number, location and size of the patches vary by
type of scleroderma; and
WHEREAS, Skin can appear shiny because it is so tight, and
movement of the affected area may be restricted; and
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WHEREAS, One of the earliest signs of systemic scleroderma is
Raynaud's disease, which causes the small blood vessels in a
person's fingers and toes to contract in response to cold
temperatures or emotional distress, which can cause pain,
numbness or a change in color; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma can cause a variety of digestive
symptoms, depending on which part of the digestive tract is
affected; and
WHEREAS, Some people who have scleroderma may also have
problems absorbing nutrients due to overgrowth of bacteria in
the intestine; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma can also affect the function of the
heart, lungs or kidneys to varying degrees; and
WHEREAS, Scleroderma results from an overproduction and
accumulation of collagen in body tissues, which is conjectured
to be caused by a combination of factors, including immune
system problems, genetics and environmental triggers; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that approximately 300,000 Americans
have scleroderma and a third of these individuals have systemic
scleroderma; and
WHEREAS, Several Pennsylvania university hospitals have
devoted centers to scleroderma research programs, including the
University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University and the
University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, While there is no cure for scleroderma, treatment
and management methods are many and differ from patient to
patient; and
WHEREAS, Physicians may prescribe medications to treat or
slow skin changes, dilate blood vessels, suppress the immune
system, reduce digestive symptoms, prevent infections and
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relieve pain; and
WHEREAS, Physical and occupational therapists that provide
pain management and therapies to improve strength and mobility
are also used in scleroderma treatment; and
WHEREAS, The last and final resort for severe scleroderma
patients are stem cell transplants or organ transplants for
lungs or kidneys; and
WHEREAS, In some cases, the skin problems associated with
scleroderma fade away on their own in two to five years, while
scleroderma that impacts internal organs tends to worsen over
time; and
WHEREAS, It is vitally important for all Pennsylvanians to be
aware of the signs, symptoms, educational resources and
treatment options for scleroderma; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize June
29, 2023, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.
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