Based on research showing improved signs and symptoms of systemic sclerosis in patients taking cilnidipine vs. placebo, the FDA granted orphan drug designation for the agent.
Can Stem Cell Transplantation Improve Survival Rates in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis?
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) may improve the survival rate of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to Georges et al. The single-arm clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of AHSCT and maintenance therapy. Researchers also identified potential risk factor of AHSCT in patients with low eGFR before transplantation.
A Deep-Dive Discussion with the Author of a Systemic Scleroderma Study
“You have systemic sclerosis,” says the physician. Other somber words patients may hear the day they learn their diagnosis include, “rare, chronic, no treatment.” But a ray of hope could soon enter those exam rooms thanks to research conducted by a team from the UK. Rizgar A. Mageed, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, is professor of experimental…
Treatment Tips for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension & ILD
CHICAGO—About 30 years ago, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) began to outpace renal crisis as the main causes of death in scleroderma (SSc). But treating these lung complications has proved vexing for clinicians. There is no easy way to predict who will develop PAH. There is no telltale antibody and no…
Researchers Test Belimumab in Scleroderma
A yearlong pilot study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of belimumab in a small group of patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis found no significant difference in the number of adverse events between those treated with the drug and those who received a placebo. Currently, no drugs are approved specifically for the treatment of…
Should You Treat SSc with Cyclophosphamide or Mycophenolate?
Patients with scleroderma, systemic sclerosis (SSc), myositis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which affects a patient’s breathing and quality of life. Prospective studies have revealed that in patients with SSc a greater rate of decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) is associated with increased mortality. Although corticosteroids are commonly used…
ACR Issues sJIA Recommendations, SSc Classification Criteria
Guidelines address advances in pathophysiology and treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis; criteria classify broader spectrum of systemic sclerosis
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Serum Antibodies Offer Useful Clinical Insights into Systemic Sclerosis
Understanding the role of autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may help predict the course of the disease and guide clinical trials