Vonk MC, Walker UA, Volkmann ER, Kreuter M, Johnson SR, Allanore Y. Natural variability in the disease course of SSc-ILD: implications for treatment.
Eur Respir Rev 2021;
30:200340. [PMID:
33762426 PMCID:
PMC9489046 DOI:
10.1183/16000617.0340-2020]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects approximately 50% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of death in SSc. Our objective was to gain insight into the progression of SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD). Using data from longitudinal clinical trials and observational studies, we assessed definitions and patterns of progression, risk factors for progression, and implications for treatment. SSc-ILD progression was commonly defined as exceeding specific thresholds of lung function worsening and/or increasing radiographic involvement. One definition used in several studies is decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) of ≥10%, or ≥5-10% plus a decline in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥15%. Based on these criteria, 20-30% of patients in observational cohorts develop progressive ILD, starting early in the disease course and progressing at a highly variable rate.Risk factors such as age, FVC, extent of fibrosis and presence of anti-topoisomerase I antibodies can help predict progression of SSc-ILD, though composite risk scores may offer greater predictive power. Whilst the variability of the disease course in SSc-ILD makes risk stratification of patients challenging, the decision to initiate, change or stop treatment should be based on a combination of the current disease state and the speed of progression.
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