Clinical Updates in SSc-ILD and Application of Emerging Data: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

In this 30-minute webinar, Cleveland Clinic pulmonologist Dr. Kristin B. Highland discusses the application of emerging data in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Strategies will be provided for clinicians to:

• Enact timely, accurate SSc-ILD diagnoses
• Optimize SSc-ILD treatment selection, considerate of individual patient needs
• Provide education/counseling that fosters patient buy-in and improves treatment adherence

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, including the lungs. In fact, a proportion of patients with SSc have severe restrictive lung disease manifested as interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD is a leading cause of death in patients with SSc, with the presence of SSc-ILD reducing survival by approximately 5 years.

While there have been significant advances in our understanding of SSc-ILD, there are important unmet needs that still must be addressed. These include improvements in differential diagnosis and appropriate application of pharmacotherapy, which will be addressed in this activity.

INTENDED AUDIENCE
This activity is intended for pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, and other healthcare clinicians interested in treating patients with systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the differential diagnosis of SSc-ILD with the integration of patient, clinical, and radiographic findings
• Evaluate clinical evidence for current and investigational therapies for the treatment of SSc-ILD
• Counsel SSc-ILD patients on their disease and treatment options