Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis

Digital ulcers (DU) are one of the most common complication of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-related vasculopathy and represent an important burden for the patients as well as for the society. Still today there is no agreement on the definition, classification and cathegorization of DU even if they are of pivotal importance in clinical practice, for treatment choice and prognostic outcomes, as well as for clinical trials. DU management requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team, that must remain ever vigilant for the development of infective complications and gangrene throughout their disease course, as well as patient education that is crucial to obtain the best compliance to assure the success of the treatment. Currently several drugs are available for DU treatment but in the future, more investigations will be needed to ameliorate the approach and the systemic and local therapies. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Digital ulcers are a common complication of Systemic Sclerosis-related vasculopathy, posing a significant burden for patients and society. Treatment of DU requires a multidisciplinary team and patient education, with several drugs currently available for management. Further research is needed to improve approaches and therapies for DU in the future.