RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Immunosuppression for interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis
JF European Respiratory Review
JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 236
OP 243
DO 10.1183/09059180.00001813
VO 22
IS 129
A1 Cappelli, Susanna
A1 Guiducci, Serena
A1 Bellando Randone, Silvia
A1 Matucci Cerinic, Marco
YR 2013
UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/22/129/236.abstract
AB The efficacy of immunosuppressors in the treatment of systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease is still matter of controversy. In this review we will analyse the evidence that immunosuppressors, despite not being able to reverse fibrotic changes, may help in slowing disease progression. Induction treatment with cyclophosphamide should be started as soon as possible in patients at risk for progression. Mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab have to be considered in patients who are unable to tolerate cyclophosphamide. After remission, maintenance treatment with mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine should be started in order to preserve the benefits achieved during the induction treatment.