Related Experiment Videos
[Evidence-based therapy of systemic sclerosis]
1Rheumaklinik und Rheumaforschungsinstitut Burtscheider Markt 24, 52066 Aachen, Germany. ekkehard.genth@post.rwth-aachen.de
Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie
|February 6, 2002
Summary
Systemic sclerosis treatments involve anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antifibrotic drugs. While some therapies show efficacy, the scientific basis for many systemic sclerosis treatments remains incomplete.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) management relies heavily on pharmacologic interventions.
- Treatment strategies are tailored to disease activity and specific organ involvement.
Purpose:
- To review current drug therapies for various systemic sclerosis manifestations.
- To highlight the evidence base for different treatment modalities.
Summary:
- Glucocorticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine A demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects in diffuse cutaneous SSc.
- Vasoactive drugs are crucial for Raynaud's phenomenon, hypertension, and pulmonary hypertension.
- Specific agents like cyclophosphamide, prokinetics, and octreotide target fibrosing alveolitis, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and intestinal pseudoobstruction, respectively.
Impact:
- Provides an overview of established and emerging drug therapies for systemic sclerosis.
- Identifies areas where the scientific evidence for treatment efficacy is limited, guiding future research.