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Current and future direction in the management of scleroderma

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Abstract

Scleroderma is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology. As more information is gained about the underlying mechanisms and the improved classifications of scleroderma subtypes, treatments can be better personalized. Improving scleroderma patients’ early diagnosis before end organ manifestations occur should improve clinical trial design and outcomes. Two recently FDA-approved antifibrotics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be effective treatments in patients with pulmonary fibrosis secondary to scleroderma after further investigation. The potential impact of Nanobiotechnology in improving the efficacy and safety of existing antifibrotics and immunomodulators might present an exciting new approach in the management of scleroderma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 1 Discovery Drive (Room 238), Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA

    Sean M. Brady & Shaker A. Mousa

  2. Division of Rheumatology, Steffens Scleroderma Center, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA

    Lee Shapiro

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  1. Sean M. Brady
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  2. Lee Shapiro
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Brady, S.M., Shapiro, L. & Mousa, S.A. Current and future direction in the management of scleroderma. Arch Dermatol Res 308, 461–471 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1647-6

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