Evidence for targeting autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis: A scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Neurology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Autonomic dysfunction is a frequent early complication in systemic sclerosis.
• It can lead to multi-organ dysfunction affecting cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other systems.
• The exact prevalence and impact of autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of recent literature on autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis.
• To highlight the significance of early identification for patient management and therapeutic targeting.
• To identify critical research gaps in the understanding and treatment of this condition.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of extant literature.
• Synthesis of findings from recent studies on autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis.
• Identification of current trends and knowledge gaps.

Main Results:

• Autonomic dysfunction is a significant, potentially widespread complication in systemic sclerosis.
• It affects various organ systems, contributing to disease complexity.
• The field of targeted interventions for autonomic dysfunction is expanding rapidly.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis is vital for timely diagnosis and management.
• Prioritizing patients for interventions and clinical trials is essential.
• Further research is needed to address identified gaps in understanding and treatment.