British Society of Rheumatology Plans Revision of Systemic Sclerosis Guideline Save

British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) last published its guideline for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in 2016. Given the many advances in the field the BSR has outlined their plans to update the management of SSc.

Using an evidence-based treatment approach they will tackle major issues as to how rheumatologists deal with specific complications (including lung, cardiac, renal and gastrointestinal tract disease, raynauds, digital vasculopathy, skin manifestations, calcinosis, etc).  Moreover, they will examine the role of new trials and evidence-based therapies (e.g. nintedanib, tocilizumab and soon rituximab for lung fibrosis), policies on digital ulcers, and how different populations (especially children and young people) are handled.

Specific issues to be addressed:

• What is the best approach to timely diagnosis and specialist referral?

• What are the best treatments for early dcSSc?

• What non-pharmacological treatments are supported by evidence?

• Which people with SSc should be considered for autologous stem cell transplantation?

• What is the best evidence-based management for pulmonary hypertension, including PAH?
• What is the best evidence-based management and treatment for digital ulceration?
• What is the best evidence-based management and treatment for scleroderma renal crisis?
• How to best manage skin thickening and fibrosis such as telangiectasis and pruritis?