OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether parenteral relaxin improves skin tightness, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital morbidity, and digital ulcers in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
II. Determine whether relaxin decreases collagen production by fibroblasts in vivo and cultured from skin biopsies.
PROTOCOL OUTLINE: This is a compassionate use study. The patient is treated with subcutaneous injections of recombinant relaxin for approximately 12 months. If clinically indicated, therapy may be extended.
PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:
--Disease Characteristics--