Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) outcome instruments for evaluation of systemic sclerosis

The Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). This review focuses on the development and validation of various outcome instruments by the SCTC, which are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in clinical trials and observational studies. Key instruments discussed include the Assessment of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated RAynaud's Phenomenon Questionnaire, the SCTC Radiologic Scoring System for calcinosis, the Mawdsley Questionnaire for calcinosis, the University of California Los Angeles SCTC Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument (GIT) 2.0, the SCTC Activity Index and the SCTC Damage Index. Additionally, the SCTC and World Scleroderma Foundation (WSF) Skin Scoring Certification is highlighted as an important resource for researchers. Each instrument's purpose, description and validation process are examined, underscoring their pivotal role in advancing SSc research and improving patient outcomes.