Systemic pharmacotherapy approaches for the treatment of systemic sclerosis.

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a complex, multisystem rheumatologic disorder characterized by immune dysregulation, vascular dysfunction, and multi-organ fibrosis. This review discusses the efficacy of the available therapeutic options and the significance of developing effective strategies against its varied manifestations, pivotal to improving patient outcomes.

Areas covered: The review elaborates on the pharmacological treatments available for managing key manifestations of SSc, including skin and lung involvement, and vascular complications, as well as the most recent findings in the field. We evaluated recent literature and clinical trials from the past decade, as well as most recent guidelines from entities like EULAR and the ACR, to provide a comprehensive overview of current management strategies.

Expert opinion: Despite advancements in therapeutic options, SSc remains a challenging disease to manage due to its complexity, our relatively limited understanding of disease pathogenesis, and its severe impact on quality of life. The development of targeted therapies and the refinement of existing treatment protocols offer hope for better management. Future research should focus on personalized medicine approaches and refining treatment algorithms to optimize outcomes for patients.