AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Sclerodactyly for further evaluation; rheumatoid factor and Anti-CCP negative; chest x-ray no ILD; treatment started under my thickening of the skin
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Rheumatic & Autoimmune Conditions
Question #10794
91 days ago
288

Sclerodactyly for further evaluation; rheumatoid factor and Anti-CCP negative; chest x-ray no ILD; treatment started under my thickening of the skin - #10794

Teat

Sclerodactyly for further evaluation; rheumatoid factor and Anti-CCP negative; chest x-ray no ILD; treatment started under my care January 2023; ANA profile negative; the phenotype of the disease is like scleroderma with sclerodactyly and thickening of the skin in the chest and the neck; not able to make a fist; start Mycophenolate in March 2023; September 2023 reports no improvement in skin stiffness and tightening and joint pain; consider Rituximab after reports-- RP 11 and RP 155 both 3 + strong positive; ; advised Rituximab INJ. Toritz RA 1 gm first dose in JAN 2024; second dose MARCH 2024;

Age: 45
Chronic illnesses: Sclerodactyly for further evaluation; rheumatoid factor and Anti-CCP negative; chest x-ray no ILD;
FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
90 days ago
5

This appears to be a scleroderma spectrum disorder with sclerodactyly and RP11/RP155 positivity, refractory to mycophenolate, now on Rituximab. Monitoring should focus on skin score, muscle enzymes, and PFTs. If Rituximab shows insufficient response after a few months, consider biologic escalation or overlap-targeted treatment.

Supportive Measures: Hand therapy and physiotherapy crucial for maintaining mobility Vitamin D3 and calcium if on steroids Low-salt, anti-inflammatory diet

816 answered questions
67% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Given the detailed information you’ve provided about your condition, it sounds like you’re dealing with a complex case of the Scleroderma spectrum, even though key autoantibodies like ANA, rheumatoid factor, and Anti-CCP have come up negative, which can happen. The strong positive results for RP 11 and RP 155, though not commonly used in diagnosing scleroderma directly, suggest atypical autoantibody activity that still fits within a broader autoimmune disorder framework. Since Mycophenolate hasn’t provided the expected relief from skin stiffness and joint pain over several months, the shift to Rituximab seems a reasonable next step. Rituximab targets B cells that may be contributing to your symptoms and is often used in scleroderma cases where inflammatory and fibrotic processes are involved, though responses can vary from patient to patient. The plan to administer two doses in 2024 suggests an effort to target B-cell depletion more aggressively. It’s crucial to closely monitor for any side effects of Rituximab, such as infusion reactions or increased risk of infections, given its immunosuppressive nature. Additionally, you should maintain regular follow-up appointments with your care team, and potentially consult with a rheumatologist and a dermatologist to further refine and optimize your treatment strategy. Managing skin care with moisturizers to prevent cracking, staying physically active within comfort levels to maintain mobility, and watching out for new or worsening symptoms will aid in handling your daily routine more comfortably. If symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain appear or escalate, report them to your healthcare provider promptly to address any potential complications swiftly.

3891 answered questions
59% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions