Progress in the clinical classification of systemic sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) subset classification is crucial for research.
• Current criteria have limitations for clinical trials.
• Evolving understanding of SSc necessitates updated classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review historical SSc subset criteria.
• To discuss current concepts of SSc subsets.
• To outline the development of new SSc subset criteria.

Main Methods:

• Review of previous SSc subset classification iterations.
• Analysis of current understanding of SSc subset constructs.
• Overview of the development process for new criteria.

Main Results:

• Summary of past SSc subset criteria.
• Discussion of modern perspectives on SSc subsets.
• Presentation of the ongoing development of novel criteria.

Conclusions:

• New SSc subset criteria are being developed via international collaboration.
• Innovative data-driven and expert-based methodologies are employed.
• The new classification system is expected to transform SSc therapy research.