Scleroderma and fasciitis in children

Abstract

Scleroderma is a spectrum of disorders, all of which may occur in childhood. Childhood disease differs from adult disease in that localized forms predominate, with major problems confined to the skin and underlying soft tissues; generalized scleroderma, whether diffuse or limited, is less common. Childhood eosinophilic fasciitis is rare, and the literature is scant. The pattern appears to be similar to that in adults, and as in the adult form, the overlap between eosinophilic fasciitis, morphea, and linear scleroderma is blurred. The etiopathogenesis of juvenile-onset scleroderma is unknown but almost certainly multifactorial. The heterogeneity of its clinical expression may argue for it being more than one disease. This review attempts to document the expression of scleroderma in childhood and relate it to etiologic, immunologic, and pathogenic considerations.