Check out the latest research updates from the wider community from this month. While we didn’t fund these projects, we’re encouraged to see a continued focus on understanding scleroderma.
Blood protein may help predict lung decline in scleroderma-related ILD
Coauthors of this study include Shervin Assassi, MD, MS, and Toby Maher, MD, PhD, both leaders within the SRF’s research initiatives.
Abatacept Reduces CD319+ (SLAMF7) Cytotoxic T Cells and Cytokine Production in Systemic Sclerosis
Coauthors of this study include SRF-funded investigators Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc, Michael Whitfield, PhD, and Johann E. Gudjonsson MD, PhD.
Study maps shift in prescribing patterns as guidelines evolve
A new German study found that SSc treatment patterns have shifted significantly over the past 25 years in line with updated guidelines, though prescribing gaps between academic and non-academic centers persist.
New cellular clues to complications of scleroderma
A Northwestern Medicine study found that esophageal damage in SSc patients closely mirrors chronic acid reflux at the cellular level, while also identifying SSc-specific signals that may explain the impaired swallowing so common in this population.
Lack of small blood vessel damage patterns may predict milder SSc
An Italian study found that the roughly 5% of SSc patients who lack the characteristic nailfold capillaroscopy scleroderma pattern tend to experience milder disease, with significantly lower rates of vascular complications, skin involvement, and calcinosis over time.
Aminaphtone Effective for Stabilizing Microvascular Damage in SSc With Secondary RP
An Italian study found that the roughly 5% of SSc patients who lack the characteristic nailfold capillaroscopy scleroderma pattern tend to experience milder disease, with significantly lower rates of vascular complications, skin involvement, and calcinosis over time.
