Reumatizam, Vol. 69 No. 2, 2022.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.33004/reumatizam-69-2-4
Early cyclophosphamide treatment in new-onset progressive cutaneous systemic sclerosis – a case report and literature review
Stela Hrkač
; Division of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, University Hospital Dubrava
Joško Mitrović
Jadranka Morović-Vergles
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Treatment of SSc remains a challenge, as it depends on disease extent, pattern and organ involvement. The use of cyclophosphamide (CYC) is mainly recommended for treatment of SSc interstitial lung disease, however its efficacy on skin involvement in SSc has been demonstrated by several studies. We present a case of a patient with new-onset
progressive cutaneous diffuse SSc, who was successfully treated with a three-month course of CYC. Significant improvement of skin fibrosis was recorded, as well as a favourable disease outcome in the five-year follow up period. A brief literature review is also presented, demonstrating that CYC can be an effective and safe first-line treatment option in similar cases.
Keywords
systemic sclerosis, cyclophosphamide, skin
Hrčak ID:
309198
URI
Publication date:
22.10.2023.
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