{"id":336,"date":"2020-01-20T14:04:06","date_gmt":"2020-01-20T13:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sclerodermie.ca\/?page_id=336"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:30:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:30:07","slug":"articles-and-publications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sclerodermie.ca\/en\/information-2\/articles-and-publications\/","title":{"rendered":"Articles and Publications"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\tUnderstanding Scleroderma\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Urinary incontinence in people living with Scleroderma<\/a> New<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine (Haylen et al., 2010). It affects 49% of women and 15% of men living with scleroderma \u2028(Sanchez et al., 2016). Several types exist, but the two most common are stress \u2028urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence. Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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What is scleroderma?<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a relatively misunderstood chronic disease affecting about one in 5,000 people. In Quebec, it is estimated that several thousands of people suffer from scleroderma. Disease onset usually occurs in the fourth decade of life and is five time more prevalent in women than men. Scleroderma is one of the so-called \u201cautoimmune\u201d diseases in which the body\u2019s antibodies attack its own cells\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Different Forms of Scleroderma<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The name \u00abscleroderma\u00bb is derived from the Greek words \u00absclero\u00bb, meaning hard and \u00abderma\u00bb, meaning skin. Thus, the characteristic feature of scleroderma is the hardening of the skin. Scleroderma is generally divided into two main forms: localized scleroderma and systemic scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis)\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Scleroderma in Children<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

There are two types of scleroderma in children.<\/p>\n

The first is called \u00ablocalized scleroderma\u00bb. This is the most common in children. It affects the skin in one area of the body only. The other type is called \u00absystemic scleroderma\u00bb. This can affect many areas of the skin, as well as the organs of the body. It is rare in children\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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How to diagnose Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc, systemic scleroderma) is usually based on the presence of a combination of symptoms and signs typical of systemic sclerosis: Raynaud’s phenomenon; skin thickening or puffy \u00absausage-like\u00bb swelling of the fingers; autoantibodies associated with systemic sclerosis in a blood sample; abnormalities in small blood vessels at the base of the nails; other skin and internal organ involvement associated with systemic sclerosis\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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How does Systemic Sclerosis evolve?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The evolution of systemic sclerosis is variable, depending on the extent of skin thickening (limited or diffuse systemic sclerosis), the presence of specific autoantibodies in the blood and the presence of internal organ involvement\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tSymptoms and Complications\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Oral Health and Scleroderma<\/a> New<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone should have oral health that enables them to eat, drink, and speak comfortably throughout their life. However, scleroderma often interferes with these vital actions, either directly by disrupting the physiological function of the oral space, or indirectly by significantly hindering hygiene methods.\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Systemic Scleroderma and Cancer <\/a>New<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Some individuals diagnosed with systemic scleroderma may also face a concomitant cancer diagnosis. This article discusses the association between scleroderma and cancer, as well as issues and precautions related to the treatment of scleroderma and cancer\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Dermatological Interventions for Facial Manifestations in Scleroderma<\/a><\/p>\n

As a result of scleroderma, many patients experience functional and cosmetic impairment of the face. In this article, we explore some dermatological interventions used to address common facial manifestations of scleroderma\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Calcinosis in Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/p>\n

Systemic sclerosis (or scleroderma) is characterized by many skin changes, including calcinosis. In this article, we will discuss what is calcinosis, how it is diagnosed and available treatments\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Sj\u00f6gren’s syndrome associated with Systemic Scleroderma<\/a><\/p>\n

In this article, we will discuss what Sj\u00f6gren’s syndrome is, and how it is diagnosed, treated, and monitored\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Focused on treatment options, this guide presents various medical solutions to relieve Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon and digital ulcers. It covers medications, emergency interventions for severe cases, and tips for avoiding aggravating factors, offering specialized support for more advanced situations… Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Pulmonary Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Pulmonary fibrosis is a common manifestation of systemic sclerosis, being present in about half of the patients. However, pulmonary fibrosis is severe in only about 15% of patients\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

PAH in systemic sclerosis is due to an exaggerated and progressive narrowing of the small blood vessels in the lungs. This is caused, on the one hand, by the increased presence of molecules (chem[1]ical signals) that promote the contraction and obliteration of the pulmonary arteries\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Cardiac Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Cardiac involvement occurs in 10 to 30% of patients with systemic sclerosis. Cardiac involvement occurs in both the limited and diffuse forms of the disease, but is generally more frequent and severe in patients with diffuse disease\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Gastrointestinal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The digestive tract is involved in nearly all systemic sclerosis patients and can be present even in the absence of symptoms in half of patients. The frequency is similar in diffuse and limited forms of systemic sclerosis. However, severe manifestations are uncommon, occurring in less than 10% of patients\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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The Kidney in Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The kidneys play a critical role in removing chemical waste products from the body, maintaining body fluid volume and controlling blood pressure. Kidney abnormalities encountered in systemic sclerosis are relatively common and, fortunately, most often with few consequences\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Scleromyositis: a specific muscle manifestation of scleroderma<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The main symptom of myositis is usually muscle weakness, mainly in the shoulders and hips. People with myositis may have difficulty lifting their arms above their shoulders, lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs or getting up from a seat… Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Bone Health & Scleroderma\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The prevalence of osteoporosis is increased in people with scleroderma, affecting approximately 30% of individuals. This increased risk may be related to the presence of risk factors for osteoporosis, such as advanced age, early menopause use of glucocorticoid drugs, malabsorption related to bowel involvement, vitamin D deficiency and chronic inflammation\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tDiagnosis and Medical Follow-up\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Capillaroscopy and complementary observations<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a simple, non-invasive, painless examination mainly performed on the hands that allows the study of small blood vessels, called capillaries, located around the nail beds. After depositing a drop of oil to make the skin more transparent, the periungual capillaries are observed under a microscope\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Autoantibodies in scleroderma<\/a> New<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

As we can see, the pathophysiology of SSc is complicated. These pathogenic mechanisms have been the subject of intensive research in order to understand their interrelationships and to find \u201cweak points\u201d in the pathophysiological cascades that may become new therapeutic targets. In this article, we will focus on the dysregulation of the immune system and, in particular, on the specific antibodies that are typically found in the blood of SSc patients\u2026Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Health Management Binder 2019<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Scleroderma patients experience a broad spectrum of symptom manifestations. These medical issues cause there to be a need to visit a number of healthcare professionals. Please use this page to record visit to specialists sush as: Rheumatologists, Pneumologists, Cardiologists, Gastroenterologists, Dermatologists, Nephrologists, Vascular Surgeons, etc\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tTreatments and Therapies\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Scleroderma Medications Guide (Canada)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Although there isn\u2019t a cure for scleroderma, there are effective treatment options that can help alleviate symptoms and slow down disease progression. Current prescription and over-the-counter medication are designed to treat scleroderma by targeting: Inflammation, Autoimmunity, Vascular disease and Tissue fibrosis\u2026<\/span> Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Cellular therapies for scleroderma<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Cell therapies involve the harvesting of healthy human cells (whether from a donor or even the patients themselves) which are then transfused into a patient to restore or repair a diseased cell or organ. The best known type of cell therapy is blood transfusions. Some cells used as cell therapies have long-lasting effects and are therefore valued for their regenerative properties\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Intravenous immunoglobulin and scleroderma<\/a> New<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used primarily in two types of diseases: immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. In immunodeficiencies, the body does not produce enough antibodies, making it vulnerable to infections. In this situation, immunoglobulin treatments are used to replace the missing antibodies to help the body protect itself from infections.
\nIn autoimmune diseases, the immune system is dysfunctional and produces antibodies that attack its own cells (autoantibodies). In this situation, the antibodies and other substances contained in IVIg could act by neutralizing the abnormal autoantibodies and interfering with the development and function of immune cells\u2026Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Natural health products<\/a><\/h2>\n

This educational sheet provides information on natural health products, which are natural substances used to maintain or restore good health. It is important to mention that this presentation is particularly relevant for people with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease for which potentially dangerous interactions between natural health products and medications can have serious consequences. Natural health products evaluated by Health Canada have an NPN (Natural Product Number) or a DIN-HM (Homeopathic Medicine Number), which guarantees their safety and effectiveness when used according to the instructions on the label. However, it is important to note that even if a product is natural, it can have side effects and be toxic if not used properly. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking a natural health product, especially for people with scleroderma who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects…Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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The scleroderma patient-centered intervention network and the SPIN-HAND program<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

The SPIN-HAND program provides you with gentle hand exercises explicitly designed for people with scleroderma, with sections to help you develop a personalized program, set goals, and track your progress. Instructional videos demonstrate how to perform each exercise properly with pictures to illustrate common mistakes\u2026<\/span> Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Dental Care in Scleroderma (October 2010)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Living with scleroderma is a very demanding challenge. Even so, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and to minimize oral health care problems. Not all dentists are familiar with scleroderma. (Scleroderma Quebec\u2019s educational sheets can be a good source of information for any health professional)\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tLiving with Scleroderma\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Energy Management<\/a> New<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that consumes a portion of your energy. Among other factors, the fatigue you may experience can be linked to the inflammatory process, organ dysfunction, sleep disturbances, side effects of medication, nutritional deficiencies, mental and emotional stress, or reduced physical activity… Read more<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Sexuality and Scleroderma<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to sexuality, there is no single ideal model. In the general population, at least one third of men and women experience sexual difficulties. Scleroderma can affect a patient\u2019s sexuality. This sheet explains the main difficulties and how to solve them\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Pregnancy and Systemic Scleroderma<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

If systemic scleroderma is well controlled and there is no cardiac, pulmonary, or renal involvement, there is a good chance of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Approximately 70-80% of women will have a successful pregnancy\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Nutrition and Scleroderma<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

For several people affected by scleroderma, acid reflux (or gastroesophageal) is a particularly bothersome, sometimes painful symptom of the disease. First, what is gastroesophageal reflux? It is acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus, due to a malfunctioning lower esophagus sphincter (a valve that serves as a protective barrier) which, having lost its tone, can no longer close\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Scleroderma and pain management<\/span><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t underestimate your power to act<\/p>\n

Pain is: \u201cAn unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.\u201d\u2009(1) According to this definition by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), this complex experience is not solely dependent on physical factors. Pain is always a personal experience that is influenced to varying degrees by biological, psychological, and social factors. Depending on its duration, pain can be described as acute or chronic. The IASP defines chronic pain as \u201cpain that persists or recurs for more than 3 months\u201d\u2026Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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How to prepare for an Appointment with your Health Care Team<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Have your medication list up to date and note if there are any side effects to the medications. If you are not taking some of the medications as prescribed, it is important to report this to your doctor so that a fair assessment can be made of the effectiveness of the treatments\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Accepting the diagnosis of scleroderma New<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

Someone who has difficulty accepting their diagnosis may need to grieve for their previous life before being able to adapt and accept their new reality. This process may include progressions and regressions. It is not necessarily linear, and it varies from one person to the other, depending on their interpretation of their situation and their ability to bounce back. Regardless of the path taken, it is important to respect the person\u2019s pace\u2026Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Managing anxiety and stress New<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

Everyone experiences anxiety and stress, this includes people with scleroderma. This article aims to demystify these two terms, to understand them, and to learn coping strategies\u2026Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tSupport and Community\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Scleroderma Quebec\u2019s Support Groups:<\/a> New<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Scleroderma Quebec\u2019s Support Groups meet in person or on Zoom for mutual support with the challenges of living with scleroderma. These groups are composed of people living with scleroderma and may also include spouses or other natural caregivers. They are led by one or more trained leaders who have taken a course specifically designed to equip them to facilitate the groups and to share pertinent information about living with scleroderma. The leaders are volunteers within the Scleroderma Quebec organization and most are themselves living with scleroderma… Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Guide for Informal Caregivers (March 2016)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

About half of those who care for a spouse or a child have reported at least 5 symptoms of psychological distress and a third of them have had to see a healthcare professional for a medical condition resulting from their caregiving responsibilities\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tMiscellaneous\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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Nutrition and Recipe Book for people with Scleroderma 2020<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re holding this guide in your hands, it is safe to say that taking care of your health, or that of a loved one who is living with Scleroderma is really important to you. Audrey Potvin, nutrition and dietetic technician, designed this guide with the aim of giving you lots of food tips\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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About Scleroderma in Quebec (revision 2018) by Dre France Joyal<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma but are afraid to learn what complications this disease could bring you, rely on your doctor to help you navigate the uncharted and rough seas. Before putting this book down, it is important that you be aware of the current state of scleroderma research and what Scleroderma Quebec is doing for you\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Winter at last (revision 2018) by Dre France Joyal<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To date, there is still no treatment of Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon that addresses the root cause of this condition. The first line of treatment is protection against the cold along with smoking cessation and stopping medications that may lead to this clinical picture. Since there is currently no treatment for the underlying cause, medical management focuses primarily on relieving symptoms (coldness, whiteness), aim to reduce, if not avoid, too strong a reaction of the extremities to the cold\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tCOVID-19\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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COVID-19 and vaccination<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a new virus first detected in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Vaccination against COVID-19 – Additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised individuals<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Immunocompromised individuals have a higher risk of complications with COVID-19 infection. They may also be less protected after two doses. An additional dose, preferably of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine provides, better protection against COVID-19\u2026 Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Vaccination against COVID-19 (as of August 31, 2022)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Fall vaccination… Read more<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tPublication of \u00c9ric Rich, M.D.\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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\u00a0\"Photo-\u00c9ric<\/p>\n

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\u00c9ric Rich, M.D, FRCPC<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having earned his degree from Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al, and after starting his post-residency career in rheumatology, Dr. Eric Rich completed his postdoctoral training in clinical investigation at the University of Alabama, in Birmingham. He is currently head of the rhumatology department of the CHUM and is teaching undergraduate courses to students completing their residency. Dr. Rich has published over twenty scientific papers on rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, lupus, autoimmune myositis and scleroderma.<\/p>\n

Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation vs Intravenous Pulse Cyclophosphamide in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis<\/a><\/p>\n

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