We struggle to manage peripheral capillary damage.
In connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), a phenomenon called Raynaud's phenomenon may appear, in which peripheral blood circulation is impaired in cold environments. As this often appears in the hands, warming them by soaking in hot water or other means usually restores the circulation. However, it is not uncommon for the fingers to become necrotic without recovery.
Connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) are said to be intractable. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a disease that causes progressive capillary damage, but capillary damage also progresses with age in healthy people. The causes of these diseases and their treatment methods are still in the process of exploration. Needless to say, efforts must be made to elucidate them, but this requires a lot of time, money, and manpower. I am sure that in the future, some wonderful and fundamental cures will be developed, but what should those of you who are currently suffering from these intractable diseases do? The aim of our research activities is not the development or discovery of completely new drugs but rather to investigate the question of whether we can alleviate medical conditions with existing technologies and methods. Even with the current technology, this endeavor will be very expensive; and it will only be useful to a few people. Instead, such interventions are needed as can be made available now, which will be cost-effective and easy to obtain. Currently, a joint project is underway with the theme of "Can we improve capillary disorders seen in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) with physical stimulation called 'heating'?" This was initiated in 2018 through partnership between Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of disposable body warmers, and Osaka University. Fortunately, we have been accumulating good research results which we expect to bring to you within the next year or two! We would like to continue developing this project so that it cannot only help people with specific diseases but also benefit healthcare in an aging society.
Yoshihito Shima, M.D., Ph.D.
