ACR 2022 Tweet by Richard Conway

Rheumatologists typically manage systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and associated interstitial lung disease with immunosuppressants. However, evidence increasingly supports also the use of antifibrotic agents in this setting.

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) have published clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of connective tissue diseases (CTD) associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) in two simultaneous publications in the European Respiratory Journal and Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.

Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is one the most challenging rheumatic diseases to manage due to its heterogenous, multisystem manifestations and the limited treatment options for some of its progressive and debilitating complications. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is often utilized as an off-label therapy for refractory manifestations. However, evidence guiding usage in SSc remains limited. A recent systemic review and meta-analysis by Jozelio Freire de Carvalho and colleagues analyzed the available literature on this therapy.