[Pathogenic mechanisms in systemic sclerosis and their therapeutical consequences. Part 2: treatment]

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is considered as the most severe connective tissue disease. It is characterized by an abnormal immune activation, a vasculopathy and a fibrosis of the skin and of multiple internal organs. Numerous progress in the understanding of the pathogenesis with identification of key molecules have permit to introduce novel treatments that improve the management of some aspects of the disease. ACE inhibitors are effective in resolving renal crisis. Cyclophosphamide is useful for treatment of fibrosing alveolitis. Prostaglandins, endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors permit to improve the treatment of the vascular complications (digital ulcerations, pulmonary arterial hypertension) of scleroderma.