Congenital linear scleroderma (CLS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by unilateral linear induration that can lead to restricted mobility and limb deformities. Various treatments have been proposed, including D-penicillamine, phototherapy, oral vitamin D, and immunosuppressants such as methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors. We present the case of a 14-year-old female patient with refractory CLS, whose condition continued to worsen despite treatment with tocilizumab, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and MTX. She was subsequently started on a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and began to experience improved mobility in her left arm and decreased skin hardening. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case suggesting the potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in slowing the progression of localized scleroderma, possibly due to their anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Chen et al. (Fri,) studied this question.