Abstract

Scleroderma renal crisis: Importance of knowing and differentiating in emergency unit

Author(s): Fahidah Alenzi

Scleroderma Renal Crisis (SRC) is a rare and severe complication of systemic sclerosis precisely in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, defined by accelerated phase hypertension and acute renal failure, headaches, hypertensive retinopathy and encephalopathy. Laboratory tests may demonstrate Micro Angiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (MAHA), Urinalysis displays non-nephrotic range proteinuria and hematuria. The presence of Anti-RNA-polymerase III antibodies and recent use of highdose corticosteroids are linked to Scleroderma renal crisis. Use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) is mandatory and associated with dramatically improvement in the prognosis of SRC and by knowing its contraindication during pregnancy therefore patient should be counseled regarding morbidity and mortality.