Systemic Sclerosis Interstitial Lung Disease: Early Diagnosis and Comprehensive Management

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of the autoimmune disorder systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc-ILD remains a challenging condition to identify, treat, and manage. Early identification of ILD in patients with SSc is critical so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible. However, utilization of optimal screening and diagnosis strategies is low among healthcare providers. Treatment decisions also represent a significant clinical challenge; a lack of guidance and effective treatments results in suboptimal practice and gaps in knowledge among providers. While new agents are on the horizon, dissemination of clinical trial data and uptake of new agents may be delayed. Monitoring of SSc-ILD patients is equally difficult, and research suggests suboptimal practice related to this aspect of care. Finally, poor patient-provider communication amplifies these challenges and contributes to patient anxiety.

Flavia Castelino, MD
Program Director Jane E. Dematte, MD, MBA Mary Beth Scholand, MD Physicians: maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ Released: September 30, 2019 Expired: No longer available for credit

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