EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: a report from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR)
Top Cited Papers
- 1 May 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Elsevier in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
- Vol. 68 (5) , 620-628
- https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.2008.096677
Abstract
Purpose: The optimal treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a challenge because the pathogenesis of SSc is unclear and it is an uncommon and clinically heterogeneous disease affecting multiple organ systems. The aim of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) was to develop evidence-based, consensus-derived recommendations for the treatment of SSc. Methods: To obtain and maintain a high level of intrinsic quality and comparability of this approach, EULAR standard operating procedures were followed. The task force comprised 18 SSc experts from Europe, the USA and Japan, two SSc patients and three fellows for literature research. The preliminary set of research questions concerning SSc treatment was provided by 74 EUSTAR centres. Results: Based on discussion of the clinical research evidence from published literature, and combining this with current expert opinion and clinical experience, 14 recommendations for the treatment of SSc were formulated. The final set includes the following recommendations: three on SSc-related digital vasculopathy (Raynaud’s phenomenon and ulcers); four on SSc-related pulmonary arterial hypertension; three on SSc-related gastrointestinal involvement; two on scleroderma renal crisis; one on SSc-related interstitial lung disease and one on skin involvement. Experts also formulated several questions for a future research agenda. Conclusions: Evidence-based, consensus-derived recommendations are useful for rheumatologists to help guide treatment for patients with SSc. These recommendations may also help to define directions for future clinical research in SSc.Keywords
This publication has 68 references indexed in Scilit:
- European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Scleroderma Trial and Research group (EUSTAR) recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: methods of elaboration and results of systematic literature researchAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2009
- Sitaxsentan Treatment for Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Discontinuing BosentanPublished by Elsevier ,2007
- Bosentan treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension related to connective tissue disease: a subgroup analysis of the pivotal clinical trials and their open-label extensionsAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2006
- Short-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists and prokinetics for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-like symptoms and endoscopy negative reflux diseasePublished by Wiley ,2006
- Systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary hypertension: improved survival in the current eraHeart, 2006
- Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension With the Selective Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonist SitaxsentanPublished by Elsevier ,2006
- Digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: Prevention by treatment with bosentan, an oral endothelin receptor antagonistArthritis & Rheumatism, 2004
- EULAR standardised operating procedures for the elaboration, evaluation, dissemination, and implementation of recommendations endorsed by the EULAR standing committeesAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2004
- Effects of the oral endothelin-receptorantagonist bosentan on echocardiographicand doppler measures in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertensionPublished by Elsevier ,2003
- Survival in Primary Pulmonary HypertensionCirculation, 2002